So, What’s the Plan Stan?
Well, to respond to the drought in La Paz, Milena Quiroga, Mayor, has one. It is named “Mas Agua para–La Paz” which is a strategy that seeks to guarantee access to drinking water in the municipality through a modern, sustainable, and participatory approach.
The plan includes technical, technological, and social actions to ensure access to this resource.
It goes beyond merely repairing pipelines; it encompasses actions such as installing elevated tanks, dividing the hydraulic network into sectors, employing more precise measurement systems, utilizing treated water, implementing the “Agua Bienestar” program, and launching educational campaigns to promote water conservation.
Since the start of Quiroga’s administration, the well network has expanded from 835 to 1,176 wells, adding around 90 gal. per second to the system. Additionally, illegal taps have been detected due to the installation of extensive measuring equipment, and they are being addressed.
The mayor acknowledged that the staff of the OOMSAPAS of La Paz has been key in developing a Monitoring Center that automates wells, employs cameras for monitoring, and supervises water distribution in real time.
One of the technologies and tools being implemented is the Visor Urbano(Urban Viewer), a digital platform that offers benefits to La Paz residents such as the option to view the water rationing schedule by neighborhood. Moreover, this year, Visor del Agua (the Water Viewer), a new tool for real-time service monitoring, will be integrated. Furthermore, starting in May, the first “Agua Bienestar station” will be installed, featuring drinking water dispensers for refilling containers and certified drinking water bubblers.
Finally, Milena Quiroga announced the launch of the “Taking care of water is taking care of La Paz” campaign, which will tour schools and public places to educate children and young people about the responsible use of water.
Will the Los Cabos Mayor come up with a plan for San José and San Lucas? Let’s light a candle!