The Salvadoran Government is making significant investments in projects aimed at harnessing rainwater resources. The National Water Authority of El Salvador is implementing initiatives on a national scale, including the construction of reservoirs and rainwater collection systems in households, industries, and schools. In the initial phase, over 5,000 people will benefit from these projects.
The Salvadoran Water Authority (ASA) is executing the National Rainwater Harvesting Program, which serves as a harmonious and environmentally friendly strategy for utilizing water resources while promoting biodiversity.
Jorge Castaneda, the President of ASA, explained to «Diario El Salvador» that these initiatives are part of nature-based technological solutions promoted by the government of President Nayib Bukele to ensure access to water for the Salvadoran population.
According to Castaneda, the program consists of various components, including projects, governance, financial models, and monitoring.
«In the project component, we have different scales that involve rainwater collection systems at the household, school, and industrial levels, as well as the construction of reservoirs,» detailed Castaneda.
He added that these multipurpose reservoirs are designed to store water for various purposes, such as animal watering and emergency situations like firefighting. The reservoirs will also support fish farming and serve as a means to harvest water naturally through soil infiltration.
ASA is also implementing erosion and sedimentation control measures, along with sustainable urban drainage projects. Castaneda stated, «We are reintroducing nature and ecosystem services to urban areas through bio-gardens and green walls.»
One of the short-term projects is the construction of El Salvador’s first green wall, which will be located on Jerusalén Avenue in San Salvador. ASA expects the construction to be completed in approximately one month.
«Additionally, we have bio-swales and small ponds specifically designed for urban areas. These are the typologies of projects within the first component,» commented Castaneda. Another significant project is harnessing the full potential of the Olomega Lagoon, situated in the eastern region of the country. This body of water has an initial capacity of over 80 million cubic meters for storage.
«The advantage is that we could construct a multipurpose system that serves farmers, fishermen, tourism, and most importantly, flood management,» noted the official.
During the rainy season, the Grande de San Miguel River frequently floods, which is why the Olomega Lagoon has a hydraulic connection to the river. This project would enable the management of floodwaters derived from the aquifer.
Simultaneously, the residential sector is included in the rainwater harvesting program. Castaneda highlights that water collection systems will be installed in urban areas, such as the Guadalupe neighborhood in Soyapango, the San Diego area in La Libertad, Metapán, and schools.
Regarding governance, ASA will collaborate with strategic partners such as the Trifinio Plan, the Ministry of Agriculture, local governments, and community members involved in productive processes.
The financial component of the program relies on environmental compensation funds and ASA resources to support the implementation of these projects.
The final component is monitoring, with La Reina in Chalatenango serving as the pilot project. Castaneda explained that approximately 30 soil moisture sensors will be installed.
«We will be using drones, thermal cameras, and multispectral cameras. We will also employ isotope measurement, specifically deuterium water,» he added.
In this first phase, between 5,000 and 7,000 people will benefit from these initiatives. Additionally, around 100 beneficiaries are expected with the reservoirs to be installed in La Reina. Castaneda emphasized that this strategy is an adaptation measure to the effects of climate change, enhancing society’s capacity to respond and become more resilient.