Measures for the Efficient Use of Water During El Niño in the Dominican Republic

The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) is implementing measures to ensure the efficient use of available water in the Dominican Republic in response to conditions associated with El Niño. The Committee for Dam and Reservoir Operations meets weekly to assess reserves and adjust the management of stored water according to regional conditions, prioritising human consumption and agricultural production. In areas without dam systems, INDRHI evaluates alternative water sources and the feasibility of constructing wells, subject to the relevant environmental authorisation. The institution also cleans and rehabilitates irrigation canals to remove sediment, improve water flow and reduce conveyance losses, with specialised equipment deployed in Pedernales, Barahona, San Juan, Dajabón, Montecristi, Cotuí, Bajo Yuna and Samaná. The initiative also includes the planned management of reservoirs such as Monción and the use of the Montegrande dam to store water and mitigate flooding in the southern region.