Panama Canal Advances Rio Indio Reservoir Project to Secure Water Supply After Historic Drought

The Panama Canal Board of Directors has approved critical funding for the construction of a new reservoir in the Rio Indio basin, marking a significant step toward ensuring water security for both the vital waterway and the country’s population.

Resolution No. ACP-JD-RM 25-1542 allocates resources for the project, which aims to increase water storage capacity in response to challenges posed by extreme weather events like the severe 2023-2024 drought that forced the Canal to implement draft restrictions and reduce daily transits.

“The project is part of the comprehensive solution to Panama’s water problem as it increases water storage capacity and is therefore preparation for future droughts,” according to official documentation fro…