Water Shortage

Tegucigalpa's mayor warned the capital could hit a critical water shortage by late August, with reservoirs Los Laureles at 40.5% and Concepción at 37%, while the San José dam — 48% complete — is not expected online until early 2028.

Tegucigalpa's water authority (UMAPS) is conducting inspections and levying fines of 1,000–5,000 lempiras for misuse of drinking water during an emergency water shortage, including bans on garden watering and other non-essential uses.

UMAPS clarified that it does not charge for potable water distributed by its tanker trucks during the ongoing water shortage in Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela, and urged residents to report anyone demanding unauthorized payments.

Tegucigalpa's municipal water authority says thousands of households will continue receiving water only once per week as reservoir levels remain near 40% capacity and fall further due to lack of rain, with officials warning rationing may worsen if precipitation does not return soon.

La Ceiba is experiencing acute water shortages as the Danto River drops to minimal levels and frequent power cuts damage pumping equipment, forcing residents to queue at public taps or wait for water during early mornings.

Tegucigalpa's capital city will receive piped water only once weekly as reservoirs drop, with the municipal water utility expanding free tank deliveries to neighborhoods while seeking alternative sources to sustain service until September rains.

The capital's water authority has shifted to a once-weekly distribution schedule for thousands of residents served by the Los Laureles and La Concepción reservoirs, which have fallen below 50% capacity, with July and August forecast as the most critical months.

The Los Laureles and La Concepción reservoirs serving Tegucigalpa hold only 36.6% and 42.2% of their respective capacities, maintaining a high-risk water alert for the capital as authorities urge rational use.

Honduras's emergency agency Copeco widened its drought alert from 60 to 75 municipalities across six departments, warning that El Niño conditions could extend dry spells for weeks and are already straining water supplies and threatening crops and livestock in the dry corridor.