4-Minute Showers and Dawn Watering: Urgent Measures Urged to Face El Niño in the Valley

Authorities in Colombia's Valle del Cauca region have issued an urgent call for water conservation as they prepare for a potentially intense El Niño phenomenon expected in the second half of 2026. The Governor's Office and water company Acuavalle are launching prevention campaigns to ensure the availability of water resources, anticipating a significant reduction in supply.

The meteorological projections indicate El Niño could intensify between July and September. To combat this, citizens are strongly advised to adopt rational and efficient water usage practices. Key recommendations include reusing water from domestic chores like washing dishes and showers, and strictly limiting shower times to a maximum of four minutes. Additionally, garden watering should be restricted to the cooler hours of 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. to minimize evaporation.

Jorge Enrique Sánchez, manager of Acuavalle, emphasized that El Niño directly impacts water availability. He stated that the company is working with the governor's office and municipal administrations to raise awareness and promote responsible water use. Acuavalle currently serves over 255,000 water subscribers and 197,000 sewage users across 33 municipalities in the region.

The campaigns aim to prevent severe environmental consequences, recalling the impact on Lago Calima in 2023. El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by increased surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, typically lasts nine to 12 months and occurs every two to seven years. While it can bring increased rainfall to some regions, it often leads to droughts and water scarcity in others, including parts of South America.

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On the economic side, they are certainly causing us damage, but we are recovering very quickly.