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Tijuana Begins Gradual Water Recovery After Landslide Damages Main Aqueduct

CESPT has reopened El Carrizo gates to send treated water back through the system in stages while free truck deliveries continue and a technical report is prepared.

Overview

  • A landslide at kilometer 19+300 crushed about one meter of an elbow on a 54-inch steel section of the Acueducto Florido-Aguaje, forcing CESPT to shut the line and cut service to roughly 500 colonias.
  • CESPT crews fabricated a metal reinforcement on site, removed deformed pipe sections to preserve the rest of the line, and completed the physical repair early Sunday, the agency said.
  • After repairs, operators opened Presa El Carrizo gates and began a staged refill and restart that prioritizes low-lying neighborhoods and uses staggered tank openings to avoid pressure surges.
  • The utility expects 50–60% service restoration in the first 36 hours, about 75% by 72 hours, roughly 90% by 96 hours and full stabilization by day five, while continuing free pipa (water truck) deliveries where units are available.
  • Residents and small businesses report buying bottled water and using stored reserves, and CESPT will issue a technical dictamen to determine causes and the remaining life of the aqueduct after completing the recovery.