Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) announced scheduled water service interruptions in the northeastern and central-eastern sectors of Medellin starting on August 31, 2026, due to conditions associated with the El Nino phenomenon. ^[1] Medellin Mayor Federico Gutiérrez stated on 2026-09-01 that the city is facing a severe water deficit due to the El Nino phenomenon and low reservoir levels. ^[2] Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez stated on August 24 that the El Niño phenomenon has caused one of the strongest droughts in recent decades in Colombia, significantly affecting the city's water supply. ^[3] EPM stated that the interruptions are not based on consumption levels or socio-economic strata but are technical measures related to the Piedras Blancas system. ^[4] The Piedras Blancas system currently presents a deficit of approximately 120 liters per second, equivalent to about 10 million liters of water per day. ^[5] The water interruptions affect ten circuits located in the Popular, Manrique, Aranjuez, Villa Hermosa, Buenos Aires, and La Candelaria communes. ^[6] According to the mayor's office, the water system records a daily deficit of 10 million liters, equivalent to a constant shortage of 120 liters per second. ^[7] Federico Gutiérrez, mayor of Medellín, said on 2026-09-01 that water rationing decisions by Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) are based on technical variables, not socioeconomic criteria. ^[8] The water contingency is concentrated in the Piedras Blancas system, which supplies the northeastern and central-eastern communes of Medellín. ^[9] Federico Gutiérrez explained that water consumption in the Piedras Blancas area increased by 48 million liters between August 18 and August 24. ^[10] Mayor Gutiérrez warned that if the El Niño phenomenon continues and rainfall decreases, water reserves in reservoirs will deplete, potentially extending water restrictions to other zones of Medellín. ^[11]