La Manzanilla message board

WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Barry on February 11, 2017, 5:26 pm At my house, above Plaza de Toros, the water supply has been VERY inconsistent over the past 10 days. The best plumber in town has checked out my system and has informed me that there are many houses suffering the same problem. I have contacted Morgan and he tells me it is a case of the water table being very low and not having sufficient water to maintain sufficient pressure in the supply lines. 179 If this is the case and we are a few months away from the rainy season then this could be a warning for the pueblo. To get a better an idea of the magnitude of this "potential problem" it would be appreciated if you would respond with how severe your problem is - with a note as to the elevation of your house, valley floor or mountain side.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Erin on February 11, 2017, 5:44 pm, in reply to "WATER PROBLEMS" We are on the upper reaches of Calle Perula and I am not sure what the problem is, I have yet this year to actually determine what the delivery schedule is, when I talked to Morgan, I got the same story but I am having a hard time believing it as the homes down below me are having no issues at all. It would be a very interesting topic of discussion to know a little about out overall system. I do know that our water cost for 2017 doubled over last year, for some silly reason, I hoped that the supply would be improved. Thus far this year, I have had to order 4 10,000 litre tankers just to fill in between deliveries of city water. If someone can shed some light on our water system, I for one would be interested in knowing just what the program is and as stated, if there is a serious problem, just what is it and how can it be improved. Thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light on the matter.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by David Dagoli on February 11, 2017, 7:40 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" At our house on the beach we have noticed much less water coming from the pueblo. We put it down to the fact that there is a brand new giant 12 apartment complex next to us filling giant concrete cisterns and multiple tinacos, and draining refilling a large pool a few times. But who knows?

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Larry F on February 11, 2017, 9:09 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" What I am learning is that there is a severe water shortage. Here are some facts, as I know then anyway. It has nothing to do with elevation. I am at mid elevation. Normally, I have good water pressure when the pumps are running. I still do, when the pumps are running. The problem is that the pumps are being deliberately being turned off ..... to Conserve water. Morgan told me this. It has nothing to do with condominiums next to you or road construction down the street. It is about a dry season and a lack of rainfall last winter. The town is short of water. Get used to it. in this community, there is no community plan. Not a criticism. Just the way it is. Normally, a local government would say ...... Restrict development until there is proven water resources to meet the needs of increased population. A local government would embark on a campaign to educate the community as to the need, and the of method of, conserving water. Post it in the local paper? Hah! I an now buying water to fill my tank. Say what? Comes from the same water table. But at least I now think about water conservation. I now flush my toilet after a few uses. I sparingly water my plants .... maybe get drip irrigation. Shower in cold water rather than wait for the water. A conservation hero? Hardly. Too cheap to buy water. Think about it. The town has maxed out on the draw off the water table. This community has a problem.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Judy Dykstra-Brown on February 11, 2017, 10:19 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Thanks for notifying us of this problem. I've noticed no shortage at the house I rent on the beach, but I will certainly start flushing less and being careful not to let the water run needlessly.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by charley on February 12, 2017, 8:42 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" For what i know there are 4 wells in La manzanilla area. Two in the south end of town. one towards the highway and one by los Ingenios .This last one was dug deeper and it serves Tamarindo and the golf course. All the increase in activities depletes the aquifer.The rainy saison was not great. so supply exceed constant demand. Conserve, shower together.more fun too.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by david c on February 12, 2017, 9:00 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" I have been in the area for 20 years and have seen wet and dry cycles. LM is coming of a wet cycle of 44 in per year and this could be the start of a dry cycle of 22 in per year. I suggested 15 years ago on this message board that the town should manage growth and require all new construction to include rain catchment systems for all homes. I also mentioned the possibility of building micro dams in the mountains to catch rain for the village. It seems the south side of town has more water and pressure than the north side which have different pumping and storage systems. The development here since 1995 has been rather frantic to say the least and I see now that Mexicans are developing and clearing many lots for more development. I suggest that all consider retro fitting your homes with rain catchment systems so when you return next fall you will have your own source of water, regardless of what happens or does not happen with the ejido decision-action process. I hope you all make the decision that will satisfy your needs. Good luck to this great not so little village anymore. Adios y Bueno Suerte!!

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by steve on February 12, 2017, 12:16 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Well written and to the point Larry. Thank you----steve

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Carol Lopez on February 12, 2017, 1:19 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Thanks, Larry, for your constructive ideas. The water shortage is all over the globe, already here, or soon to come. We could see this situation as us being in training for climate change. Has anyone tried using milk jugs or other single use plastic containers to do drip irrigation of plants? I am experimenting with them, putting a tiny hole at the bottom on the side, filling it up, and putting the cap on tightly. It won't leak, because of whatever scientific principle that is... you know... Then I will release the cap slightly when I want the water to drip out near a plant (overnight preferably, so it doesn't evaporate). If it works, I am going to ask Javier to spend his time filling the jugs when the water is coming from the pueblo, and then setting them out at dusk. This should use less water and still keep the garden healthy. Does this seem to make sense? There are dozens of complicated versions of this (using milk jugs. etc.) on Youtube; some involve digging the container into the ground; I am looking for simplicity. Some version of this will work, so could people save their containers for me - and I will pick them up. Be sure and save the caps, too. This would include: milk jugs any size, water and pop (soda) bottles, those big juice bottles, etc. Thanks! I'll let you know how this works - and I welcome any suggestions to refine this idea.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Barry on February 13, 2017, 10:05 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" My water situation has deteriorated - only the equivalent of 5 buckets of city water in 10 days. We are therefore forced into buying water - does anyone know who delivers (and the cost) of a tanaka delivered. It is frustrating to see some of the streets being watered to minimize the traffic dust while we have empty toilets!!!!

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Mazinka on March 24, 2017, 5:24 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Erin, I have had a shortage of water these last two weeks and have had to phone Morgan twice to ask about opening up the faucets for our part of town. Apparently not enough pressure to fill up tanks that are on elevated ground........doesn't bode well with at least another two months to go before the rains, plus of course during the two week Easter period the consumption of water will rise substantially.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by chris schlear on March 27, 2017, 11:31 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" water going to end you are going to die!who would care! Mexico!

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Dean & Judy on February 12, 2017, 10:52 am, in reply to "WATER PROBLEMS" We live just above the grade school south of town and there have been BIG loose connections and water has leaked out for up to two weeks at a time. Same connection just failed several days ago!

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Neal on February 13, 2017, 8:20 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" My understanding is fewer than half of the people are paying their miniscule water bills. Perhaps if everyone paid their bills there would be money for infrastructure improvements.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Larry Field on February 13, 2017, 10:33 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Every year there is a discussion about those who don't pay their water bills, as well as the amount charged. My own crude estimation is that about $200,000 pesos are potentially there as a budget for the water system. That's nice, but ............Money, in itself, does not create water where water is not. Water consumption must be decreased. So back to ideas like those suggested by Carol. 1. User pay (water metering) distribution. Not possible here. 2. Water saving toilets, taps, shower heads, washing machines, etc. Very effective program at home, but .......not going to happen here for years. 3. Water leaks. Unknown losses and hard to find, but there are quite a few around town that are very visible. 4. Landscaping. Likely a huge consumer of water. Foreigners like gardens, me included. They drink water. Sprinklers are the worst. Carol started a list of things that can be done. There are many more, including converting to drought resistant plants. 5. Swimming pools. Perhaps a gross sign of affluence and waste, but a well managed pool does not use much water. Rainwater catchment for topping up pools an absolutely great idea. 6. Street watering. A huge, huge waste. Many people use water to wet down the streets in order to prevent dust. Understandable, but ........ it's a choice, run out of water or eat dust. 7. Education. The great majority of people here likely don't know their town has a water crisis. How would they? How about a school water awareness program? Kids love to tell their parents about good ideas they learn in school. 7. Personal practices. Recently I became aware of how much water I unnecessarily run down the drain. I collected the cold water that ran while waiting for hot water in the shower. It later went on our herb garden. The possibilities became endless. Water is the most precious resource we have,

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Larry C on February 13, 2017, 11:06 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" A Navy Shower can save up to 90 percent of shower water. Concerning the toilet - if it is yellow, let it mellow.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Neal on February 13, 2017, 11:08 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Larry couldn't agree more having lived through three west coat droughts. However if the infrastructure is leaking as noted by Dean and Judy that issue also needs to be addressed.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Erin on February 13, 2017, 2:43 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" To address one of the questions, how much does a truck of water cost (10,000 litres) $850 pesos, The water comes from Melaque and it is clean and realable. I don't have the phone number at my finger tips as I request someone who is more fluent with the language to order up the truck but I will get the number tomorrow and post it later. There are a couple of guys running around in town who have smaller tanks on trucks, their charges is 200 pesos but I don't know how to get ahold of them.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Larry F on February 13, 2017, 3:47 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" For local water service, call Ray at 044 315 107 5121. immediate service.

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Carol Lopez on March 24, 2017, 4:43 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Here's a problem that I have re water; hope someone has a simple solution. I never know when water is being provided by the pueblo, (except if I happen to hear it running into my 'cisterrna', which is a tenaco that is underground at my place. The people upstairs say they can hear when it is being pumped up to the tenaco that is stored on the roof. But again, we have to be there to know when that is happening. If I knew that, I would know when it is safe to fill some plastic bottles and use my improvised drip irrigation system. It would also be nice to have a meter of some kind that would show the level of strored water...again, so I would know if it's OK to wash clothes etc. Are these available? Does anyone know of a way to be notified, (some kind of alarm) and also a way to measure how much water there is, without having to lift a very heavy lid, and use a stick to measure it? Local people seem to know when we are being provided with a lot of water...and when it is being carefully doled out. Maybe they can tell by the sound of it? Anybody have any thoughts on all of this?

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by Mary Jo on March 26, 2017, 7:28 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" We have started catching the water in a bucket, waiting for hot water shower and catching shower water as well! Amazing how fast it fills up! Use the water for flushing. Yes, my roses and gardenias are suffering. I am learning how to switch to native plants, succulents and cactus to "have a garden". LaManzanilla has only 2 pumps that I know of and 30-40% of the people here are paying. Our water bill is SO MINIMAL compared to USA and CANADA bills. Morgan needs to pay a tremendous electric bill every 2 months, repair water leaks in the streets, manage the distribution around town. I can't imagine one single person who could refuse to help pay for this service. We need to conserve water in our own home. That is the long and short of it. Instead of complaining about no water, let us share ideas on how to conserve water!

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by André on March 27, 2017, 9:05 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Well!if you have to paid water at 55$ for 10000 liters and use 180 liters a day than it cost you a 1 $ a day this is really cheap...

Re: WATER PROBLEMS Posted by David Dagoli on March 27, 2017, 11:57 am, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Interesting that there is still water at the waterfall in Los Ingenios. believe the well for our water supply is near Los Ingenios? Photo taken by a Mexican friend last Wednesday. g

Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls .... Posted by M&T on April 9, 2017, 12:46 pm, in reply to "Re: WATER PROBLEMS" Speaking of waterfalls...is Tamarindo still going to let us have access to our own waterfall in the south barrio now?

Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls .... Posted by Jean on April 9, 2017, 1:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls ...." I don't believe that they own the falls.

Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls .... Posted by M&T on April 9, 2017, 1:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls ...." we heard from a reliable source that the property sold a little white ago...Tamarindo needed the water

Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls .... Posted by Jean on April 9, 2017, 10:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls ...." I have a question please... Are we not to use our names on posts?? Who is M and T . Identify yourself, names please. Follow the rules.

Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls .... Posted by Mike & Tracy on April 10, 2017, 10:32 am, in reply to "Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls ...." wow...been using our initials for 2+/- years, why the sudden issue??? We weren't aware of the "name" rule M&T

Why identify self Posted by Larry Field on April 12, 2017, 9:30 am, in reply to "Re: Speaking of water & waterfalls ...." Hey Mike and Tracy. This is not a sudden rule. I quote the guidelines here: "For a message, or a response to a message, to stay on the board (i.e. not be removed by the moderator) it must be from a person who is willing to stand behind the comments of that post by identifying themselves with their name and email address."

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