A decisive phase to restore confidence in the drinking water supply in several districts of Los Santos province begins this month, with the start of the disinfection process of the distribution pipeline network, a measure awaited by thousands of residents in the Azuero region. The National Aqueducts and Sewers Institute (Idaan) reported that work will begin in the district of Las Tablas, where pipe disinfection will be carried out from this Monday, January 5, at 8:00 a.m. until Tuesday, January 6, at 8:00 p.m. During this period, the drinking water service will be suspended for all users supplied by the Rufina Alfaro water treatment plant, so the population is advised to take the necessary precautions for water storage. As announced, once the service is restored, the water should only be used for personal hygiene and cleaning, while the quality verification processes are completed. The schedule will continue in the district of Guararé, where disinfection is scheduled for Friday, January 9, at 8:00 a.m. until Saturday, January 10, at 8:00 p.m. In the coming days, the corresponding dates for La Villa, Santa Ana, El Ejido, Los Olivos, and San Agustín will be announced, until the distribution network in the province of Los Santos is completed. In parallel, Idaan is advancing in preparations to carry out the same procedure at the water treatment plant and pipelines in Chitré, in the province of Herrera, one of the areas most affected by the water crisis. This comprehensive plan arises after high levels of contamination and the presence of microorganisms were detected in the water captured at the Roberto Reyna plant in Chitré and the Rufina Alfaro plant in Los Santos approximately six months ago, a situation that forced water consumption restrictions and generated widespread concern among the population. Once the disinfection work is completed, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for certifying, through laboratory analysis, that the water meets the necessary parameters for human consumption.
