Since December 21, 2025, thousands of users of the drinking water service in the northern and western areas of San Cristóbal de Las Casas have faced a “temporary” suspension of service in more than 10 neighborhoods, due to a voltage fluctuation in the starter equipment, which malfunctioned. This equipment supplies water from the Convivencia Infantil deep well. To date, the Municipal Water and Sewerage System (SAPAM) has not reported on the progress of repairing the problem.
Residents of the affected areas reported that SAPAM (the municipal water utility) announced the suspension of water service to homes on December 21st, impacting more than 10 neighborhoods. However, as of Monday, January 5th, 2026, the system has not provided any updates on the repairs. Thousands of affected residents stated that they have now been without water for 16 days. Furthermore, other neighborhoods in the area have been without water for over a month. Therefore, they are demanding that management provide updates to the thousands of users affected.
Since reporting the water outage in the area, SAPAM (the municipal water utility) stated that the affected neighborhoods are: FSTSE 2000, Las Haciendas, Segunda Ampliación Nueva Maravilla, La Vista, El Carmen, San José, El Vergel, América Libre, Azteca, Hospital Esquipulas, Segunda Cerrada La Era, La Quinta San Martín, Callejón del Molino, La Puerta del Sol, Bosques de Huitepec, La Frontera, Baja California, the Alcanfores area (nursery), Buena Esperanza, Pozo de Jacob, and 20 de Noviembre.
Finally, residents of other neighborhoods in the western part of the city report that they have also been without water since December 21st due to a mechanical failure at the La Era pumping station. As a result, SAPAM suspended service in that area, affecting hundreds of users. During the holiday season, they purchased water from tanker trucks and are urging those responsible to expedite the repairs.
Source: oem
