Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, August 25, 2026 — An uncovered drainage access chamber containing dirty water remains open along Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio near the Twelfth Naval Zone, according to a resident who says the problem has persisted more than a month despite a report to SEAPAL Vallarta.
Tribuna de la Bahía published the complaint Tuesday with video submitted by the man, who said he travels this section of the boulevard daily. He reported foul odors, dirty water and residue inside the opening, which he attributed to the sanitary drainage network.
The chamber is located along the Hotel Zone stretch near the Navy installation, El Salado estuary and Puerto Vallarta’s maritime terminal. Medina Ascencio carries airport, cruise-port, hotel, shopping, public transportation and commuter traffic through this part of the city.
Its location adds a physical safety issue to the odor complaint. The opening is in an area used by pedestrians and vehicles, where visibility can become more difficult after dark or during heavy rain.
The complaint follows two separate drainage problems documented along other sections of Medina Ascencio this summer.
On June 25, SEAPAL cleared a sanitary-line blockage at Medina Ascencio and Politécnico Nacional after a construction traffic cone became lodged inside a drainage access well. The obstruction stopped the normal wastewater flow and caused a spill onto the roadway.
Following heavy storms in early August, SEAPAL crews also worked on elevated wastewater levels at the Las Glorias pumping station along Medina Ascencio and cleaned affected streets. Those incidents occurred at different locations and were handled as separate problems.
SEAPAL operates Puerto Vallarta’s water and sanitary drainage systems. Its official complaint page lists 073, 322 226 9191 and 322 226 9190 as reporting numbers. Reports can also be sent through WhatsApp at 322 105 8226.
Anyone reporting the chamber again can include the exact location, travel direction and a current photograph. PVDN’s city service reporting guide explains how to document the address and retain the report number.
The resident said the opening remained unrepaired when his complaint was published on August 25. People using the naval-zone section of Medina Ascencio should avoid walking or driving close to the chamber until a secure cover is installed.
