Bogota Citizens Advised to Shower with a Partner Amid Water Rationing

The capital of Colombia is currently grappling with a critical situation regarding the water supply for its residents due to the dwindling levels of reservoirs that constitute the primary water source for the city. As Bogota witnesses the implementation of stringent water rationing measures across various sectors, Mayor Luis Carlos Galan has urged citizens to embrace unconventional steps to ensure the continued availability of potable water.

The company responsible for the aqueduct serving the Colombian capital has reported a historic decline in the water levels of key reservoirs. The Chingaza reservoir, which supplies 70% of the city’s water, is currently at 16% of its levels. This has prompted concerted efforts through various measures and recommendations to elevate it to at least 20% by the end of April.

During interviews with local media, the mayor suggested some unconventional measures to curb water usage, including an invitation for residents to “shower with their partner” and to skip bathing on weekends if they plan to stay home. He emphasized that reducing water use is essential for increasing the water levels in reservoirs like Chuza and San Rafael, key parts of the Chingaza System. The goal is to achieve 75% capacity by the end of the year.

Colombian capital’s water rationing due to El Niño phenomenon

The ongoing El Niño climatic phenomenon has significantly exacerbated this predicament throughout 2024. Characterized by erratic weather patterns, this climate cycle has induced drought conditions in various parts of the country, leading to severe wildfires across the capital and beyond in the early months of the year. Mayor Galan attributed the situation’s root cause to deficient rainfall over the reservoirs, which were received this year at levels below 40%. Heavy rains which were anticipated in February and March failed to materialize.

Water rationing in the capital began on April 11, entailing the suspension of water supply to specific sectors at 8 a.m. for 24 hours on designated days. These restrictions extend to 11 municipalities in the greater Bogota region reliant on the Chingaza water system, encompassing Funza, Mosquera, Soacha, Chia, Cajica, Sopo, Gachancipa, and Tocancipa.

Likewise, housing developments equipped with reserve tanks are urged to refrain from utilizing them, except for schools and hospitals which will also be supplied with water by tanker trucks. In the latest communications from the mayor of the capital of Colombia, it was noted that the measures have yielded positive results. The consumption target is to reach 15 cubic meters per second, and in recent days, the figures have decreased from a daily consumption of 17.84 to 15.85. With reservoir levels still at 16.16%, it is underscored that “every drop counts.”