Turbidity Levels Remain High in Lago Alajuela

(Panama-Guide) - La Estrella -  Turbidity levels in Lake Alajuela are so high that the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN) no alternative but to resort to international instances. Yesterday during a press conference IDAAN director, Manuel González Ruiz, said the dirt in the reservoir has not clarified, and their only option was to request technical assistance from water authorities in Chile and Colombia. Gonzalez said before the water in the lake registered levels from 500 to 700 turbidity - meaning completely dirty water - and the levels have declined to 234, however the water is still very dirty and difficult to treat for drinking. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Barragan, the National Director of Water Treatment Plants for the IDAAN, said that at the water treatment plant in Yaviza they have managed to disinfect the water and it is fit for human consumption. He also said that in Panama City and in the province of Colón water service is being rationed (sectoring) and water tank trucks are being used to support the areas that are not receiving potable water service. He added that for today as a special measure they intend to open a seventh production pump, and to increase the supply of water tanker trucks that are delivering water to the areas of Villa de las Fuentes, Altos de El Dorado, La Gloria, Hato Pintado, El Dorado, El Cangrejo, Dos Mares, and different hospitals.

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Original Source: Panama-Guide

Date Retrieved: December 25, 2010.