New Canal and Embera Indians

[sue2go]

Since I've read that the ability to go to the Embera villages is affected by the water level, will the new canal and it's need for water affect the ability to visit the Embera villages? Perhaps this is a silly question.... but inquiring minds (or just mine) want to know.

[BillB48]

Probably the village more affected by lake levels is the Embera village on the Pequini River which is in the upper reaches of Madden Lake (Lago Alajeula) on the Pequini River. Madden Lake is formed by the Chagres and several other smaller rivers to include the Pequini and was created to supply additional water for the Canal during Panama's Dry Season. While the level of this Lake can vary a great deal during the Dry Season, there are other villages that can host visitors. These villages are closer to Gamboa where the water is maintained at a more constant level.

 

A couple of things are being put in place to ensure there is sufficient water for the expected increased traffic when the expansion is completed. One of them is the use of water saving basins at the new locks. Although the new locks will significantly bigger they will actually use less water than the present locks. Another item is increasing the operating level of Gatun Lake by another 1.5 feet which will provide additional water for the Canal.

[sue2go]

Thanks so much for the information! I really hope to be able to visit in Feb. when we sail.