Last Friday the Panama Canal announced that it is on alert due to the increase in waterđ§ levels of the reservoir lakes that supply the Canal. Gatun Lake is just less than one foot from its maximum capacity (see actual lake water levels).
Luis Rovira, VP Water Resources Management for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), explained to La Prensa that there are protocols to immediately address the situation and open floodgates to release water and prevent overflows. In case necessary, this would primarily involve water releases into the Chagres River from Gatun Lake.
âThe lakes of the Canal, GatĂșn and Alajuela, have dawned quite close to their maximum levels. GatĂșn is at about 88.7 feet and Alajuela is at approximately 247.73 feet. The maximum levels of GatĂșn are 89 and the maximum level of Alajuela is 252â, he said.
The abundance of water comes after a period of extreme drought the end of last year and despite the high water level of the lakes the aquifers that are responsible for naturally storing the rainwater still have a water deficit.
To ensure water supply for canal operations and the population, taking into account the climate variations, the Canal is carrying out a water program. The construction of a new water reservoir in the Indio River, water saving measures and carbon reduction actions are important parts of this program.