Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – Rigoberto Velázquez Navarro, Operational Director of SEAPAL, Puerto Vallarta’s Water Drainage and Sewerage System, confirmed intentions to construct a dam or reservoir on the Mismaloya river. This project aims to boost the availability of drinking water in the municipality’s southern region, an initiative that faced initial resistance from local residents who impeded the equipment’s arrival on site.
SEAPAL’s current purification system operates at a capacity of twenty liters per second. The intent is to double this, addressing the growing demand for water in the area. “The goal is to improve access to drinking water to accommodate the rising needs of the community,” Navarro explained.
This enhancement will primarily serve the industrial, commercial, and domestic sectors. It is important to note that the region houses several real estate developments awaiting feasibility. Without permission to exploit and purify surface water, sourcing water from deep wells becomes challenging, especially given the current prohibitions from the National Water Commission (CONAGUA).
Navarro addressed community concerns, suggesting fears may stem from the potential involvement of another company. However, he emphasized that the project will not adversely impact the environment or the local ecosystem. The plan involves constructing a dam to direct a ten-inch longitudinal, slotted pipe to capture the Mismaloya River’s sublevel water. This captured water will then undergo a purification process, thus increasing the system’s capacity to 40 liters per second.
“Mismaloya is situated practically at the river’s end. Its water flows towards the sea, so rather than letting it be lost, we can use it for consumption,” said Navarro. He also reassured locals about the proposed project’s low environmental impact. A minor excavation less than six meters deep would house the pipe and a small dam would be built to contain the water, a procedure simply designed to make the water drinkable.
Navarro also committed to engaging the community more to ensure the work can recommence, reminding them that the proposed water volumes have been authorized by CONAGUA.
