Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — Seapal Vallarta, the city’s water operator, is confronting severe financial difficulties that jeopardize its ability to pay employee bonuses and meet year-end obligations. This alarming situation was revealed during a recent session with the City Council’s Drinking Water Commission, where the organization’s directors presented their report.
Carlos Alberto Ruiz Hernández, the General Director of Seapal Vallarta, detailed the dire circumstances facing the agency. “We took over a little over a month and a half ago, and due to a lack of a cordial transition, we’ve spent these days conducting an analysis,” he stated. “We consider that Seapal is abandoned, neglected, in a great crisis.”
Ruiz Hernández emphasized that immediate actions are being taken to stabilize the accounting system. “Once this stability is achieved, we can execute the projects that are already in the works to solve the water shortage problem as soon as possible and address the need for sanitation lines,” he explained.
Administrative Director Rodolfo Domínguez revealed that upon assuming control, Seapal Vallarta had only 8 million pesos in its coffers, which were used to cover payroll expenses. “There were commitments to pay other obligations as well,” he noted. Domínguez highlighted the urgent need for a 46 million peso loan that has been requested but remains unapproved. “If we don’t get that credit, Seapal Vallarta is really in a critical situation, which, and I’m honest, I’ve never experienced before,” he said. “I repeat, Seapal Vallarta is in the red.”
Since the start of the current administration, the agency has struggled to supply water to the city—a problem inherited from the previous administration with no immediate solution in sight. Alejandro Padilla Viorato, Director of Operations for Seapal Vallarta, warned of a challenging dry season ahead. “Today we have continuity in service; unfortunately, it’s a reality—we have interruptions and do not have the available water capacity to solve it immediately,” he said. “Surely the dry season will be a very busy and complicated time for the city.”
With Puerto Vallarta approaching its peak tourist season, the demand for water is expected to exceed 1,200 liters per second. This increased consumption further complicates the outlook for Seapal Vallarta, underscoring the urgency of addressing both its financial woes and operational challenges.
