Most reservoirs are low; drinking water assured: Olgo Fernandez

The head of the National Institute for Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI), Olgo Fernández, announces that 32 of the nation’s 34 reservoirs are at “critical levels” and this will have a negative impact on farming and cattle ranching. He added that according to international forecasts, the drought could well last another 60 days.

Fernández noted that this is the worst drought recorded over the past 60 years. He told reporters from El Dia that the only reservoirs that are at a normal level for irrigation and human consumption are Hatillo and Valdesia.

He assured the public that water for human consumption is assured and that water would not be diverted to farming or generation.

According to the INDRHI boss, the agency began to “administer” water back in August 2018, thus assuring the rice, tomato and bean crops of the fall of 2018.

In 2018, the INDRHI drilled 2,066 wells in the areas of greatest need, and currently are drilling wells in Santiago Rodriguez, Montecristi and Dajabón.

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El Dia
El Dia

25 March 2019