News Feature | July 31, 2024

New Reservoir Aims To Secure Water For Panama Canal

Source: KLa Systems
GettyImages-1326520455

The Panama Canal has been facing ongoing challenges regarding its water supply, an issue dating back to its inception in 1914. While water levels in Gatun Lake were originally sufficient, increasing demands have continuously strained the resource. Several years of drought and El Niño conditions ultimately forced the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to significantly reduce vessel transits and implement water conservation measures.

In response to the issue, the ACP is planning to build a new reservoir in Coclé province, west of the canal. The proposed Rio Indio reservoir is expected to secure the canal's freshwater needs for the next 50 years. The project, which has a price tag of around $1.6 billion, is expected to take place over the next six years.

The reservoir was first considered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and canal officials back in the late 1990s. A 2003 feasibility report outlined plans for a concrete-face rockfill dam, a lengthy tunnel, saddle dams, and a power plant.

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