El Salvador is taking a major step toward strengthening its coastal water infrastructure with the announcement of a new desalination plant and well system in Surf City, La Libertad. The initiative, led by the National Administration of Aqueducts and Sewers (ANDA), aims to enhance access to clean water for both residents and businesses in one of the country’s most dynamic tourism and investment zones.
ANDA President Rubén Alemán Castaneda revealed the project during an appearance on the Diálogo 21 program, stating, “Part of what we are going to build here is a plant that takes advantage of the potential of this water resource found on our beaches. It’s a series of wells and then a desalination process.” The system will use reverse osmosis, a process that filters seawater through specialized membranes to remove salts, sediments, minerals, and metals, making it safe for consumption.
With an estimated investment of nearly $1 million, the project also includes nearby well construction and wastewater treatment enhancements to meet growing demand. “Water will be brought to the entire population, especially in residential areas and to support commerce,” Castaneda added.
This development comes as international events such as the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Longboard Championship continue to boost tourism and economic activity in the region, intensifying the need for modernized infrastructure.
In alignment with these efforts, Castaneda also announced the graduation of the first cohort from the newly launched Technical Water School, a digital transformation initiative led in coordination with the National Institute for Training and Education (INCAF) and the Salvadoran Water Authority (ASA). Forty students were trained in mechatronics, including programming and the operation of electropneumatic and electromechanical systems. This specialized training prepares them to manage and maintain the new technology and equipment being acquired through a separate $200 million investment to upgrade the national water system.
El Salvador’s commitment to water sustainability, innovation, and regional development is paving the way for long-term economic growth and improved quality of life along its Pacific coast.
