Panama's Ministry of Health reported significant progress in restoring safe water supply in the province of Los Santos. According to Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo, all water samples provided by the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) have been certified. However, a final decision on the water's potability will be made after receiving results from external laboratories, as required by official protocol.
Residents and visitors in the city of Las Tablas are expected to be able to drink tap water during the carnivals taking place from February 14 to 17. This measure also extends to the neighboring district of Guarare. Currently, 70% of the conducted tests have confirmed that the water is fit for consumption. Results for the remaining 30% are expected by the weekend.
Authorities recommend that residents run their taps for 15 to 30 minutes before using water for domestic purposes to flush out any residual contamination from internal pipes. Despite the positive trend in Las Tablas, the situation in other districts requires more time. Specifically, in the cities of Chitre and La Villa de Los Santos, full restoration of clean water supply is expected only after the festivities conclude.
Disinfection work continues in the communities of Santa Ana, El Ejido, La Espigadilla, and others. Pipe cleaning in the La Arena area has also been successfully completed. These comprehensive measures aim to progressively restore safe drinking water throughout the Azuero Peninsula.
