Pig waste contamination disrupts water supply in Donmatías, Antioquia

The contamination of Quebrada La Piedrahíta with pig waste (porquinaza) has forced the suspension of water intake 16 times this year, affecting water supply for residents of Donmatías, Antioquia. While [eltiempoco] reports nearly 24,000 people affected, [elcolombiano] cites approximately 20,000.

What happened

Servidonmatías ESP SAS, the water utility, reported that the contamination originates from discharges from pig farms and cattle passing through the watercourse. Source: eltiempoco The porquinaza—a mixture of feces, urine, and wash water—introduces coliform bacteria including E. coli, posing health risks. Source: elcolombiano The company financed a study that showed the stream's source is clean but contamination appears at the intake point. Source: eltiempoco

The response

Six months after the initial reports, Corantioquia has imposed preventive measures suspending discharges from more than 10 users in the basin and is notifying administrative acts to proceed with formal charges. Source: eltiempocoSource: elcolombiano Arbey Osorio Restrepo, subdirector of Sustainability, stated that the corporation has the authority to initiate sanction processes for environmental infractions. Source: elcolombiano The agency is evaluating potential aggravating factors such as recurrence. Source: eltiempoco