As part of the process of optimizing water treatment plants, since the end of 2025, new pumps have been put into operation at the raw water pumping stations in Pacora, Tolé, San Félix, San Bartolo, Paso Canoas, Changuinola, Rufina Alfaro, and Roberto Reyna. Operations with water trucks for distribution will continue in communities where they are needed as a palliative measure, such as in the Azuero region. The National Aqueducts and Sewers Institute (IDAAN) has launched its 2026 Carnival operation, with the objective of providing continuous service to the population nationwide. The institution warned that during these days, there is a high water consumption, especially in the areas where the largest number of visitors traditionally gather during these festivities, such as Azuero, Santiago, Penonomé, and Aguadulce. It reiterated that it is prohibited to use potable water from treatment plants or underground sources for 'culecos' (water fights). It emphasized that water trucks will not be able to handle or take water from any hydrant or groundwater well. 'We are calling on citizen awareness to responsibly make a moderate consumption of potable water, since in the summer and in festivities like Carnival, consumption increases in points of greater concentration of visitors that can affect pressures or supply,' the entity added. Among the measures implemented are: water treatment plants will remain operating 24 hours a day, as they do all year, and there will be maintenance personnel available in case of incidents that could affect operations; and there will be water truck operations for distribution in communities where they are needed as a palliative measure, mainly in the Azuero region. Additionally, several dredging and river channeling works have been carried out to face the decrease in water flows, mainly in Chiriquí and Coclé.
