Three-hour power outage leaves 12 La Paz neighborhoods with low water pressure; OOMSAPAS to normalize by next rotation
The outage shut down the San Pedro, La Trinidad and Melitón Albáñez wells and the El Carrizal aqueduct; service is returning gradually.
A power outage of about three hours shut down the San Pedro, La Trinidad and Melitón Albáñez wells and the El Carrizal aqueduct, leaving neighborhoods in eastern and northeastern La Paz without water or with low pressure, the city's water utility, OOMSAPAS La Paz, reported. Full service is expected to return with each neighborhood's next scheduled water rotation (tandeo).
The affected neighborhoods are Vista Real, Villas del Cortés, Residencial Sofía y Jimena, Olas Altas, Los Tabachines, La Herradura, La Fuente, Progreso Vivah, Progreso Cañada, Atardeceres (Dúplex), Arcoíris and Agua Clara. The utility also warned of generally lower pressure across the city's northeast and east.
Why the water takes time to return
OOMSAPAS La Paz director Abimael Ibarra Abúndez explained that recovery is gradual because, once power is back, pumps must stabilize and the water network has to rebuild pressure. The utility said the power failure was caused by factors outside its operations.
In practice, water reaches low-lying areas near the main lines first and hillside areas last. Neighborhoods on higher ground, such as Vista Real or Olas Altas, are usually the last to see normal pressure.
What to do if your neighborhood is affected
Check your tandeo day: OOMSAPAS said normal service will return with the next distribution cycle, not before. Until then, save water from your rooftop tank or cistern for drinking, cooking and hygiene, and put off washing patios or cars.
When the water comes back, let the tap run for a few seconds if it looks cloudy, which is common after a network regains pressure. The utility asked residents for patience and responsible use.
If your neighborhood is not on the list and you go more than one cycle without service, report it through OOMSAPAS La Paz's official channels to rule out a leak or a separate failure.
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