temporada de estiaje

SIMAPA authorities confirm that the dry season continues

SIMAPA authorities emphasize daily actions to conserve  water 

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- The authorities of the Municipal System of Potable Water and Sewage (SIMAPA) of Chapala and Ajijic  said that the drought affecting Mexico and the local area is no cause for alarm, but that it is lasting longer than historically projected. 

The general director of SIMAPA, Alfredo Arana Hernández, commented that this year and at this time, the wells that supply the town of Ajijic  are lower than is historically normal,  however, none have shown signs of drying up, and he hopes that with the coming rainy season, they will recover as happens every year. Director of SIMAPA Ajijic, Omar Gustavo Cerna, commented that despite the low water level this year, there is no schedule for tandeos – water rationing -which is used only when necessary according to  factors such as the amount of water used in the areas that each well supplies.

In his opinion, the lack of water is due to the fact that «more is extracted than is recovered» due to population growth in the area and new developments that are currently under construction, in addition to the lack of consumer culture to make responsible use of drinking water.

Omar Gustavo Cerna López, director of SIMAPA Ajijic, emphasized that the dry season has lasted longer this year, since the normal is two months, and this year it has already exceeded three months.   He emphasizes that it is necessary for people to learn to value of drinking water, and conserve it, because  it is the  vital liquid  for life and it is not unlimited.  People also need to understand that between the well and the water that comes from the faucet, there is a lot of work involved – the supply can’t be expanded overnight.

Finally, both Alfredo and Omar exhort the community to be aware of water use, and to take actions such as reporting leaks immediately, turning off water faucets, reusing water if possible, and turning off the faucet while soaping oneself at shower time, as well as taking short baths.