Luis Alberto Vega Ricoy, executive member of the State Water Commission (CEA), announced Wednesday night that the federal government, through Conagua and the CFE, authorized the controlled opening of the Zimapán Dam’s floodgates starting on the afternoon of Friday, September 5.
The official warned that the measure will result in the suspension of the drinking water supply from the Aqueduct System II, which will affect neighborhoods and communities in the municipalities of Querétaro, Corregidora, and El Marqués.
Although he did not specify the exact number of affected localities in his message, he estimated in recent days that around 300 communities could be without water for up to 10 days.
“The recent rains have significantly raised the level of the dam, so it is essential to begin releasing it,” Vega Ricoy explained in a video message posted on social media.
He added that, due to the operation, the pumping equipment will have to be temporarily shut down to avoid damage caused by sludge and solids carried by the flow.
The official indicated that the CEA will activate its well system to guarantee supply in the affected area. However, service will be provided irregularly and at variable times, with the goal of equitable water distribution.
In the case of the city of Querétaro, the northern neighborhoods will be the most affected due to their geographical location. Vega Ricoy asked residents for their understanding and urged the entire population to use water responsibly during the contingency.
He specified that, once the discharge is complete and weather conditions permitting, Aqueduct II will be immediately reactivated. Normal service will be gradual to avoid damage to the infrastructure.
Three communities in Cadereyta de Montes will be cut off
For her part, Astrid Ortega, mayor of Cadereyta de Montes, Querétaro, warned that three communities—Vega de Ramírez, La Mora, and El Hortelano—will be cut off after the floodgates are opened, a situation that will affect nearly 300 residents.
She also warned that crops in the area could be lost due to the volume of water that will flow through the region.
Given this scenario, the Querétaro state government announced the installation of shelters to assist affected families.
In Hidalgo, no measures announced
In contrast, the municipality of Zimapán, Hidalgo, from which the dam takes its name and whose release will affect some indigenous communities, has not issued any official position.
Mayor Hermilio Trejo has not even announced that the dam will open its floodgates on Friday.
Source: jornada
