Editing Panama Canal (section)

==Planned Indio River Reservoir==
In response to severe drought conditions that significantly impacted the Panama Canal's operations in 2023 and 2024, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced plans to construct a new reservoir on the Indio River. The project aims to augment the canal's water supply and ensure consistent operations amid increasing climate variability.<ref name="WaterPower2024">{{cite web |title=Panama Canal plans new dam to tackle drought and secure water supply |url=https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/analysis/panama-canal-plans-new-dam-to-tackle-drought-and-secure-water-supply/ |website=Water Power Magazine |date=8 March 2024 |access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref>

The reservoir, estimated to cost $1.6 billion, will include a dam and hold approximately 1.25 billion cubic meters of water. It is expected to provide water for up to 15 additional daily transits during the dry season and support over half of Panama's population with drinking water.<ref name="BrookesBell2024">{{cite web |title=Panama Canal plans new $1.6bn reservoir |url=https://www.brookesbell.com/news-and-knowledge/article/panama-canal-plans-new-1-6bn-reservoir-159115/ |website=Brookes Bell |date=18 March 2024 |access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref>

This development followed a Panamanian Supreme Court decision in 2023 that redefined the legal boundaries of the canal’s watershed, enabling water projects like the Indio River reservoir to proceed beyond the traditional limits.<ref name="BrookesBell2024" />

The project has also raised social and environmental concerns, as it could displace an estimated 2,000 people and submerge local villages. The ACP has begun public consultations to explore mitigation strategies and compensation plans for affected communities.<ref name="AP2024">{{cite news |title=Panama’s canal plan for new reservoir raises displacement fears |url=https://apnews.com/article/6f10f8a297f93a93bc610efd4fc639ff |work=Associated Press |date=20 February 2024 |access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref>

Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and take approximately six years to complete.<ref name="Reuters2024">{{cite news |title=Panama Canal expects new water reservoir for ship crossings in 6 years |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/panama-canal-expects-new-water-reservoir-ship-crossings-6-years-2024-07-08/ |work=Reuters |date=8 July 2024 |access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref>