Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, is grappling with a severe water crisis as its reservoirs face historically low levels exacerbated by the El Niño climate pattern. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced on Monday that the city will implement water rationing measures starting Thursday due to the critical state of the reservoirs, which are at their lowest since the mid-1980s.

The drought, intensified by El Niño, has plagued the region since June 2023, leading to prolonged dry spells and high temperatures. As a result, approximately 9 million people in Bogotá and surrounding areas will be affected by the restrictions, aimed at reducing household consumption by 11%.

Galán emphasized the temporary nature of the measures, stating that rain is necessary to alleviate the situation. However, he also acknowledged the broader issue of climate change, urging the need for sustainable behavioral changes to ensure water sufficiency in the long term.

The city has been divided into nine sectors, with each sector experiencing a 24-hour water cut on designated days, rotating through the cycle until water levels improve. Contingency plans are in place for essential services such as hospitals and schools to ensure they have uninterrupted access to water.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a natural disaster in January to mobilize additional resources to address the impacts of El Niño, which include wildfires and water stress.

The crisis in Bogotá mirrors similar challenges faced by other cities in the region, such as Mexico City, where years of low rainfall and high temperatures have contributed to a severe water crisis.

As Colombia braces for the effects of climate change, Galán’s announcement underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable water management practices to mitigate future crises and ensure water security for all residents.