Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – July 4, 2024: Since last Wednesday, much of Puerto Vallarta has been experiencing low water pressure and possible intermittent water shortages due to a critical failure in Pump 5 of Gallery 3. The repair work on the pump is expected to be completed by Saturday, July 13, 2024, affecting several upper parts of the downtown area, including the neighborhoods of 5 de Diciembre, El Cerro, El Caloso, Las Peñas, and Gastronómicos.
According to SEAPAL, Puerto Vallarta’s Potable Water, Drainage, and Sewerage System, the affected neighborhoods will face water shortages for six staggered days. However, in reality, the disruption will be continuous, impacting the aforementioned colonies for the remainder of this week and into the next.
Rigoberto Velázquez Navarro, the Operating Director of SEAPAL, confirmed that the water supply issues would persist for eleven days due to the ongoing repair work. Gallery 3, where the malfunctioning pump is located, is situated on the banks of the Cuale River in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, also known locally as “La Bombita.”
“This pump, number 5, requires rehabilitation and conditioning of the column, as it has been experiencing significant wear and needs new bushings to function properly. This pump delivers approximately 22 liters of water per second, supplying mainly to the Iturbide tank, which then distributes it to Mina and Gastronómicos in the upper part of La Pechuga. Therefore, there will be intermittent water shortages and low pressure until the repair and conditioning of the pump shaft are completed. The motor itself is operational,” explained Engineer Velázquez.
In light of this failure, SEAPAL urges residents to take necessary precautions. Citizens are advised to store water, avoid wastage, and use water rationally during this period. The authorities are working diligently to ensure that the repair work is completed within the stipulated timeframe to minimize inconvenience to the public.
