Water use restricted in Valle del Cauca due to El Niño phenomenon

The Valle del Cauca governor has implemented water conservation measures through a new decree to combat the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Intense heat, dry vegetation, and increased demand for water and electricity have gripped the region, prompting Governor Dilian Francisca Toro to sign decree 0777 of 2026.

The decree introduces restrictions on non-essential water use. These include prohibitions on washing building facades and vehicles, watering gardens and green areas, and filling swimming pools and ornamental ponds. Open burning in rural areas is also forbidden without explicit authorization from environmental authorities.

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We are generating early warnings to territorial entities and citizens, in order to implement contingency plans for possible water scarcity, forest fires, and heatwaves.

Daniela Vanegas, the acting secretary of Risk Management for Valle del Cauca, urged mayors and municipal coordinators to immediately activate mitigation protocols. The region is issuing early warnings to local governments and citizens to prepare contingency plans for potential water shortages, forest fires, and heatwaves.

In addition to these restrictions, the departmental government is providing technical support to all 42 municipalities. This assistance aims to help local administrations update their contingency plans and bolster their operational capabilities. The goal is to ensure the region is prepared to manage the consequences of the El Niño phenomenon.

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We are carrying out training activities so that, as a system, we can act and assume the consequences derived from this phenomenon.