Medellín Begins Water Rationing Due to El Niño

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Medellín utility Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) initiated neighborhood-based water rationing for two million households following weeks of below-average rainfall triggered by the El Niño weather pattern. Officials warned that these restrictions could persist into 2027 due to the slow recovery of mountain reservoir systems. The drought also prompted the Colombian national government to launch a voluntary energy-saving program, as the country relies on hydroelectric dams for approximately two-thirds of its electricity production.

Consequences

If the dry pattern continues, the national government may transition from voluntary energy-saving measures to mandatory restrictions. Additionally, the region faces reduced energy capacity due to the drought, compounded by the fact that the Hidroituango dam has not operated at full capacity since a 2018 construction accident.

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