Current status of dams in the Dominican Republic in light of climate forecasts
The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) has published its latest hydrological bulletin, revealing that the useful volume of dams nationwide is currently at an average of 57.34%. This figure represents a reserve of 1,675.18 million cubic meters of water available for the country’s consumption and productive activities.
Storage levels: contrasts in water infrastructure
The current landscape shows an uneven distribution in the storage levels of Dominican reservoirs. Some structures face significant challenges, while others maintain optimal levels:
- Montegrande: 43.1% of its capacity.
- Sabana Yegua: 49.0% of its capacity.
- Sabaneta: 55.2% of its capacity.
- Monción: 85.6% of its capacity.
- Hatillo: 78.0% of its capacity.
Concern in the agricultural sector regarding the El Niño phenomenon
The National Confederation of Agricultural Producers (CONFENAGRO) has expressed its concern regarding the effects that the drought could have on national production. These concerns are gaining momentum in light of the forecast for the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon, a climatic cycle characterized by the warming of surface waters in the tropical Pacific, which alters rainfall patterns and temperatures on a global scale.
The possible manifestation of a high-intensity phenomenon, informally categorized as a Super El Niño towards the end of 2026, is keeping authorities and productive sectors that depend closely on water resources on alert.
According to climate projections, there is a high probability that this phenomenon will consolidate in the coming months. Estimates indicate an 82% chance that El Niño conditions will emerge between May and July 2026, with a 96% probability of persisting during the period between December 2026 and February 2027.
