SEAPAL Vallarta has pledged to stabilize the city’s drinking water system this month, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and open dialogue with residents.
During a recent meeting with citizens, General Director Carlos Alberto Ruiz detailed ongoing projects and investments. He confirmed that new vertical galleries in the Mascota River will soon begin operating, boosting supply to neighborhoods in El Pitillal and northern Puerto Vallarta.
Ruiz acknowledged that intermittent shortages persist in some areas, caused by rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, and frequent power outages. To address these challenges, SEAPAL is purchasing electric generators to keep wells and plants running during blackouts.
Operations Director Alejandro Padilla noted that SEAPAL managed 55,000 contracts in 2005 compared to 90,000 today, while production capacity has not expanded at the same pace. He encouraged residents to maintain cisterns or storage tanks, a common practice worldwide, to ensure steady household supply.
Officials emphasized that, despite service interruptions, Vallarta’s water remains safe. Certified by COPRISJAL and tested both internally and externally, the supply is treated at four plants—particularly Cerro del Machete—which remove impurities such as iron and manganese. Residents were asked to report unusual coloration for immediate inspection.
Addressing the recent 8% rate increase, SEAPAL explained that higher operating costs made the adjustment necessary. Producing one cubic meter of water costs 27.06 pesos, while subsidized household users pay only 11.55 pesos. The additional revenue will support further infrastructure improvements.
Residents raised concerns about water pressure, intermittent service, and cloudy water during the meeting. Ruiz assured the community that SEAPAL remains an open-door organization, committed to long-term solutions through ongoing dialogue.