Honduras capital tightens water rationing to every nine days amid crisis

Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, is facing an increasingly severe water crisis, forcing authorities to implement a stricter rationing schedule. Residents are now receiving water only once every nine days for a few hours, a measure taken as reservoir levels approach critical points.

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the precipitation scenario is still bad

The city, with nearly two million inhabitants, has grappled with water shortages for years, but the situation intensified in June when rationing was set at seven-day intervals. The current measure, effective August 1, aims to extend the dwindling reserves. Julio Quiñónez, director of the Municipal System for Risk Management, stated that the "precipitation scenario is still bad," with the La Concepción dam, which supplies 60% of the capital, operating at only 30% capacity. The Los Laureles reservoir is at 38%.

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Only we are getting water for an hour, every eight days

If current trends persist, reservoirs could fall to 20% capacity by August 20, a level where sediment significantly hinders usability. The new nine-day schedule pushes this critical threshold to September 20. Residents like Ada Maribel Núñez, 54, describe receiving water for just one hour every eight days, barely enough for drinking and essential tasks. Her family of seven relies on public laundromats due to insufficient home supply.

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We come here to wash because we don't have water in our homes

Beyond the lack of rain, Tegucigalpa suffers from a historical deficit in water capture and storage infrastructure, compounded by population growth. Mayor Juan Diego Zelaya acknowledged the global nature of the drought but noted the municipality has begun rehabilitating underground sources to alleviate the emergency. The city distributes approximately 90,000 cubic meters of water daily through its public network, serving about 72% of the population.

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This is a historic day where we can see a new scheme for how to address the prison issue