Bogotá and Soacha, Colombia, are bracing for planned water service interruptions from March 3rd to March 6th, 2026, as the city’s water utility, the Empresa de Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Bogotá (EAAB), undertakes essential maintenance and repairs to the water supply network. These disruptions, impacting numerous neighborhoods, are intended to minimize the risk of more significant failures in the city’s aging infrastructure. The EAAB has published detailed schedules outlining the affected areas and the anticipated duration of the outages, urging residents to prepare accordingly.
The planned cuts are a proactive measure, according to officials, designed to address potential issues before they escalate into major emergencies. The EAAB stated that the work will focus on preventative maintenance and repairs to both pipelines and associated fittings, aiming to improve the overall reliability of the water distribution system. This is particularly crucial for a rapidly growing metropolitan area like Bogotá, which relies on a complex network to deliver water to its millions of residents. The disruptions, while inconvenient, are presented as a necessary step to ensure long-term water security for the city and surrounding municipalities.
Affected Areas and Schedules
The water cuts will be rolled out across various localities within Bogotá and Soacha over the four-day period. Here’s a breakdown of the scheduled interruptions, based on information released by the EAAB and reported by local news outlets like El Tiempo and Semana:
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
- Barrios Unidos: Muequetá and La Esperanza, between Calle 57 and Calle 68, and Carrera 14 and Carrera 24. The outage is scheduled to last for 24 hours, beginning at 9:00 a.m., for preventative maintenance.
- Chapinero: El Chicó, Chicó Norte, and Chicó Norte II Sector, between Calle 88 and Calle 100, and Carrera 15 and Carrera 45. This area will experience a 24-hour interruption starting at 8:00 a.m. Due to preventative maintenance.
- Bosa: Bosa Centro and Bosa La Estación, between Calle 57 and Calle 65H, and Carrera 75A and Carrera 80. A 24-hour outage is planned from 10:00 a.m. For preventative maintenance.
- Teusaquillo: Ortezal, between Calle 22 and Calle 22A, and Carrera 44C and Carrera 50. Service will be interrupted for 24 hours starting at 10:00 a.m. Due to a hydrant replacement.
- Usme: La Cabaña, Doña Liliana, Villa Diana, Los Soches, Juan José Rondon I, Los Arrayanes, Tocaimita Oriental, Pepinitos, and Tocaimita Sur, between Calle 76 Sur and Calle 92 Sur, and Carrera 6D Este and Carrera 15 Este. A 24-hour outage is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. For preventative maintenance.
- Tunjuelito: Samoré, between Calle 47A Sur and Calle 47B Sur, and Carrera 28 and Carrera 33. Service will be interrupted for 24 hours starting at 10:00 a.m.
March 4th – 6th, 2026
While detailed schedules for March 4th through 6th were not fully available at the time of reporting, the EAAB has indicated that additional neighborhoods will be affected. Residents are encouraged to consult the official EAAB website (https://bogota.gov.co/mi-ciudad/habitat/cortes-de-agua-en-bogota-y-soacha-del-3-al-6-de-marzo-del-2026) for the most up-to-date information and specific timings for their area. Portafolio reported that the EAAB is continuously updating the schedule as work progresses and unforeseen issues arise.
Impact and Preparations
The planned water cuts are expected to impact a significant portion of Bogotá and Soacha’s population, potentially disrupting daily routines for households and businesses alike. The EAAB recommends that residents store sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes during the outage period. This includes filling containers and ensuring adequate reserves for essential needs. Businesses, particularly those reliant on a continuous water supply, are advised to take appropriate measures to mitigate potential disruptions to their operations.
The EAAB also advises residents to close the main water valve to their properties before the scheduled outage to prevent potential damage from water surges when service is restored. After the water supply returns, it is recommended to allow the water to run for a few minutes to clear any sediment that may have accumulated in the pipes. The EAAB has established a hotline and online resources to address resident inquiries and provide assistance during the water cuts.
Long-Term Infrastructure Investment
These planned interruptions underscore the ongoing necessitate for investment in Bogotá’s water infrastructure. The city’s aging network is susceptible to leaks, breaks, and other failures, leading to both water loss and service disruptions. The EAAB is currently undertaking a broader program of infrastructure upgrades and replacements, funded by both local and national government sources, to address these challenges. These long-term projects aim to improve the resilience and reliability of the water supply system, reducing the frequency and duration of future outages. The current maintenance work is a component of this larger effort to modernize and enhance Bogotá’s water infrastructure.
The EAAB’s proactive approach to maintenance, while causing short-term inconvenience, is a critical step in safeguarding the city’s water resources and ensuring a sustainable supply for the future. The company’s commitment to transparency, through the publication of detailed outage schedules and the provision of customer support, is also essential in managing public expectations and minimizing disruption.
Looking Ahead
The EAAB is expected to release a comprehensive report following the completion of the maintenance work, detailing the findings and outlining any further planned interventions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about future water service updates through the EAAB’s official channels. The next major update regarding the city’s water infrastructure plans is scheduled for a public hearing on March 15th, 2026, where the EAAB will present its long-term investment strategy to the Bogotá City Council.
We encourage our readers to share their experiences and concerns regarding the water cuts in the comments section below. Your feedback is valuable as we continue to report on this important issue. Please also share this article with your friends and neighbors in Bogotá and Soacha to ensure everyone is informed about the upcoming water service interruptions.
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