Current:Home > ScamsMillions in Colombia's capital forced to ration water as reservoirs hit critically low levels -Capital Dream Guides
Millions in Colombia's capital forced to ration water as reservoirs hit critically low levels
View
Date:2025-04-17 14:05:11
Millions of residents in the Colombian capital city of Bogotá started rationing drinking water on Thursday as the city's reservoirs hit drastically low levels. The rations were announced a day after the city's mayor posted aerial footage of two primary reservoirs surrounded by dried embankments.
The footage posted by Mayor Carlos Galán shows the San Rafael and Chuza reservoirs, which make up the Chingaza water system. Galán said that the system supplies the capital city with 70% of its drinking water.
"Please, let's save water," Galán posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, alongside the video.
Bogotá Aqueduct and Sewer Company said Bogotá and the municipalities that receive water from the company "will have alternating suspensions or rationing of drinking water due to the low level of reservoirs." Those restrictions began Thursday morning and are being implemented in shifts, with only certain neighborhoods having to ration for a 24-hour period.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by CBS News Climate Watch (@cbsnewsplanet)
According to the mayor's office, the region's drinking water supply system is made up of three systems with eight total reservoirs – all of which feed into the aqueduct company. That system supplies water to more than 10 million people.
The low reservoir levels come as Colombia continues to suffer from "long weeks without rain due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon," the mayor's office said. Many other cities and countries have been facing a similar issue, including Mexico City, one of the most populated cities in the world. Reservoirs rely on precipitation to refill.
The Chingaza system depicted in Galán's video has "the most critical state of water levels," his office said. As of April 7, water storage in that system was at less than 17% capacity. The northern reservoir system, which includes the Tominé and Neusa reservoirs and supplies 25% of Bogotá's water supply, barely reached 54.23% capacity. The southern system, which accounts for 5% of the water supply, has less than 45% capacity.
Along with the rations, the office is also advising people to reuse rainwater, reduce shower time, minimize clothes and car washing, and reduce garden irrigation.
"The call is to take care of every drop of water," the mayor's office said.
- In:
- Colombia
- Drinking Water
- Water Conservation
- Latin America
Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
veryGood! (74)
Related
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Miami Beach touts successful break up with spring break. Businesses tell a different story
- Colorado stuns Florida in 102-100 thriller in NCAA Tournament first round
- Are there any perfect brackets left in March Madness? Very few remain after Auburn loss
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Selena Gomez & David Henrie Have Magical Reunion in First Look at Wizards of Waverly Place Sequel
- West Virginia governor signs vague law allowing teachers to answer questions about origin of life
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Wish Health and Healing for Kate Middleton Following Cancer Diagnosis
- 'Most Whopper
- The Politics Behind the SEC’s New Climate Disclosure Rule—and What It Means for Investors
Ranking
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Interim leader of Alcorn State is named school’s new president
- MLB investigating allegations involving Shohei Ohtani, interpreter Ippei Mizuhari
- The Daily Money: Why scammers are faking obituaries
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Democratic state senator files paperwork for North Dakota gubernatorial bid
- 4 children, father killed in Jeannette, Pa house fire, mother, 2 other children rescued
- Chemotherapy: A quick explainer in light of Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis
Recommendation
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Carlee Russell pleads guilty and avoids jail time over fake kidnapping hoax, reports say
Mom drives across states to watch daughters in March Madness games for UNC, Tennessee
Georgia bill would give utility regulators extra years in office without facing voters
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
85 years after a racist mob drove Opal Lee’s family away, she’s getting a new home on the same spot
The Diane von Furstenberg x Target Collection Is Officially Here—This Is What You Need To Buy ASAP
Democratic state senator files paperwork for North Dakota gubernatorial bid