---
title: "Chilibre water plant back to 90% as Idaan and ACP push repairs"
date: 2026-04-13
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/chilibre-water-plant-repairs-acp-idaan/
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "ACP"
  - "Chilibre"
  - "IDAAN"
  - "Panama"
  - "repair work"
  - "water supply"
---

# Chilibre water plant back to 90% as Idaan and ACP push repairs

## What Happened

The Federico Guardia Conte water treatment plant in Chilibre is operating at 90% capacity while repair work continues on one of its pumping stations, according to the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, known as Idaan.

The recovery effort is being carried out with support from the Panama Canal Authority, whose workshops received one of the affected motors for repair on Monday. Technical teams from Idaan are also working at the station that pumps treated water, with the goal of restoring full operation as quickly as possible.

## How the System Was Affected

The incident began late Saturday night after an electrical failure cut the plant’s operation in half, reducing output to 50%. Initial repairs quickly improved performance, bringing the facility back up to 90% within hours.

The Chilibre plant is one of the key facilities in the water supply system serving Panama’s capital area, so any interruption in its operation can have broad effects on distribution. Restoring full capacity is important for maintaining stable service and supporting the demand of households and businesses that depend on treated water from the plant.

## Recovery Work Continues

Idaan said its specialists, together with ACP personnel, are continuing repairs to reach 100% operation. The cooperation between the two institutions reflects the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure tied to public water service in the Panama metropolitan area.

The motor repair and the work at the pumping station are part of the broader effort to normalize operations after the electrical fault. Keeping the plant near full capacity helps limit disruption while technicians complete the remaining work.

## What This Means for Residents

Idaan urged the public to use potable water moderately so distribution can remain more balanced while the repairs are completed. In a system under partial strain, conservation helps reduce pressure on the network and supports more even supply across affected areas.

The Chilibre facility’s rapid recovery to 90% has eased the immediate impact of the failure, but the push to restore full capacity remains underway. For Panama residents who rely on this water system, the ongoing work is aimed at preventing a longer interruption and keeping service as steady as possible.