Despite the continued lack of heavy rains in the mountains and an actual drought in some areas, the reservoirs in Moncion, Tavera-Bao, Hatillo and Rincon are currently within operational levels, although nowhere near their peaks. However, there are continued complaints regarding water service in many towns in the Cibao. Tavera-Bao, is at 322.05, about 5.5 meters below maximum. There are some 12.23 cubic meters (m3) per second coming into the lake behind the great dam, but there are 24.21 m3 per second going out. The Tavera-Bao complex serves good water to Santiago, Moca and other towns of Espaillat province. The dam in Moncion, Santiago Rodriguez province, supplies drinking water and irrigation water for large portions of Valverde Province and other parts of the Northwest Line. It is now a little over 14 meters below the maximum level of 280 m above sea level. Water is coming in at 4.28 m3/sec while the outflow is 16.33 m3/sec/ Over in Hatillo, the huge lake is just two meters below maximum and at Rincon, the level is slightly less than 4 meters.
According to the authorities at the Santiago Water and Sewer Corporation (CORAASAN), they are only providing 108 million gallons of water to their customers. Still, the demand is for 125 million gallons, so they are facing a 17% deficit. The regional director for the National Institute for Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) reminded reporters that the country has entered the hurricane season and the protocols call for maintaining a safe level at the nation’s reservoirs to avoid possible overflow. However, there is enough water to guarantee the rice crops and other agricultural needs despite the reduced rainfall.
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El Caribe
14 June 2020