Water rationing suspended in six communes of Medellín: this was the announcement of mayor Fico Gutiérrez

Medellín’s six communes in the northeast and central-east zones have been relieved of water rationing after an announcement by Mayor Federico Gutiérrez. The decision marks the end of scheduled interruptions to the city's water supply, which had been imposed due to low reservoir levels and increased demand. The move was announced with the hope that residents will continue to conserve water, ensuring the service remains uninterrupted in the future. The suspension of water cuts began on August 31, 2026, and will remain in effect throughout September. This change comes after months of restrictions that required households to limit their usage during specific hours each day. The city’s administration has emphasized that this new policy does not mean residents can return to unrestricted consumption. Instead, they must maintain a level of conservation to prevent future shortages. Mayor Gutiérrez stated that his decision was based on the behavior of citizens in adhering to previous water-saving measures. He urged continued responsible use, noting that even small actions, such as leaving a tap running for ten minutes, can consume up to 120 liters of water. In areas supplied by the Piedras Blancas reservoir, households are expected to save at least 92 liters per day. For other parts of the city, the target is slightly lower, at around 79 liters daily. Residents in the affected neighborhoods, who had previously faced periodic disruptions, expressed relief at the news. However, many acknowledged the challenge of maintaining such strict conservation efforts. The city’s water authority has reiterated that these targets are not optional, but rather essential to preserving the availability of water for all users. The decision follows a period of heightened monitoring of reservoir levels by EPM, the state-owned utility company. Due to below-average rainfall, officials warned that further declines in water reserves could lead to renewed service interruptions. While the current situation appears stable, authorities stress that vigilance is necessary to avoid returning to rationing. The measure applies specifically to the six communes served by the Piedras Blancas reservoir, which has been under pressure due to prolonged dry conditions. These areas were among the hardest hit by the rationing schedule, with some households reporting difficulties in meeting the daily quotas. Now, with the suspension of cuts, there is a temporary reprieve, though the expectation remains that water use must remain controlled. For now, residents can resume using water without the constraints of scheduled cuts. Yet, the message from the city government is clear: the responsibility lies with individuals to ensure sustainable use. The success of this approach depends on whether the community continues to prioritize conservation, avoiding the need for future interventions. As the city moves forward, the balance between access and sustainability remains a key concern for both officials and residents alike.