East Panama gets major water storage. Not flowing to homes yet

President Mulino inaugurated the East Hydraulic Ring on 21 September 2026, a CONADES-built project now handed to IDAAN to strengthen potable-water storage and regulation across Panama Este.

The system adds about 14 million gallons of storage in five tanks and roughly 55 km of pipe. The largest tank, María Henríquez, holds about 7 million gallons; others sit in Altos de Tocumen, La Joya, Rancho Café, and at Cabra suction. The corridor runs toward Tanara (Chepo) via Tocumen, 24 de Diciembre, Pacora, and Las Garzas. Officials frame more than 500,000 potential beneficiaries and about 270 construction jobs. Complementary work includes rehab of Pacora, Cabra 1–2, and Chepo treatment plants.

What it means for daily life: If you live or rent in the Tocumen–Pacora–Chepo belt for lower housing costs, this is meant to improve structural water reliability over time. It is not an overnight fix at the tap.

TVN reported on 18 September that the ring was inaugurated but not yet operating — still in testing, with IDAAN responsible for integration.

Sources

• Crítica
• Destino Panamá
• TVN

Inauguration is not the same as water at your faucet. Check IDAAN neighborhood timelines.