Sedapal warns a moderate earthquake could cut water for 40% of Lima and Callao

A moderate earthquake could leave up to 40% of Lima and Callao without water, according to a Sedapal report warning that parts of the capital’s water system face advanced deterioration and possible collapse.

Sedapal prepared the document to brief the incoming government of Keiko Fujimori on the condition of the infrastructure. It identifies the Circunvalación Collector as a key weak point in southern Lima. The system, which carries wastewater, has exceeded its capacity under rising demand. That has contributed to flooding and public health risks.

Sedapal already has an approved technical file worth more than S/723 million to replace the collector, but the project has not started because funding is unavailable. Problems also affect La Atarjea, the main drinking-water complex. Plant No. 1, which began operating in 1956, shows advanced deterioration and faces a risk of structural collapse. Sedapal would need to build Plant No. 3 so it could maintain part of water production while rehabilitating the existing facility.

The report points to further vulnerabilities in Callao. Reservoir structures at La Menacho are more than 100 years old, while reservoirs R-01 and R-02 at Parque Internacional require renewal and reinforcement. A failure could threaten supplies to Bellavista, La Perla, La Punta and parts of Callao.

Sedapal also says its emergency response capacity remains incomplete. Hydrojet equipment and tanker trucks have reached the end of their useful lives, and the company plans to acquire 70 generators for 50 wells and 20 pumping chambers. The generators would help keep facilities operating during power cuts.