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Latest water testing for dissolved salts
Posted by SpencerC on May 2, 2026, 8:35 am Moderator
Message translated from Facebook post:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: WATER QUALITY
In recent days, we have received feedback regarding a salty taste, reduced soap lathering, and staining. We are sharing accurate and up-to-date information:
Comparison of Well Salinity Levels:
Moyo Well (Crucero) May 2025: 3,130 ppm 2026: 3,120 ppm It remains practically unchanged (it has always been brackish).
Soccer Field Well July 2025: 241 ppm (freshwater) 2026: 2,500 ppm This is where the significant change lies. What does this mean? The water is NOT dirty or contaminated. The change is due to an increase in salts (salinity). This occurs as a result of: drought low well levels increased water demand As water levels drop, water with a higher salt content enters the system (a natural phenomenon). Why does it feel different? Soap does not lather as effectively. Hair may feel "heavy." Limescale buildup or staining may occur. This is caused by the salts, not by dirt. Important Note: This behavior had already been anticipated and warned about when the drop in well levels was first detected. What can you do? For consumption: Use bottled water; when washing your hair, rinse it at the very end of your shower to ensure it remains soft. To protect appliances/equipment: Consider installing filters specifically designed to remove salts (conventional filters do not eliminate salinity). Avoid wasting water: do not hose down streets repair leaks avoid unnecessary flushing/draining We Need Everyone's Support: Today, more than ever, we need to use water responsibly. The water wasted at lower elevations is the water that is missing at higher elevations. We continue to monitor the situation and work toward improving our service. Potable Water Committee Ejido La ManzanillaSpencerC/Moderator
My hair always felt gunkyand my skin itchy after a shower in the summer. Rinsing with a pitcher or two of garafon water did wonders. I also ordered a new shower head with a filter from Amazon. The filter needs cleaning every few weeks, but it also helps.
Thank you Spencer for posting this very important and sad update.
We have lived with the Moyo well for 8 years, so we have learnt some of how to adapt to that kind of salinity of our water. We have to buy new water pumps every 3 months, since they do not last longer than that, due to the corrosion. And the list goes on…
The soccer field well has always had better quality and lower salinity than our well over here. This year’s measurement of the salinity of the soccer field well is VERY concerning indeed.
Question - Have these new measurements been given to the Ejido? If not, we need to make sure they receive them.
I have heard that Pepe has donated 200 sqm of his Ejido land, in order for La Huerta to build a new well. It seems “all we are doing right now” is waiting for the permission.
I also want to say that I agree that our town’s water ought to not be shipped off to water a private golf course.
With our very dire water situation, I am hoping that that well, that was supposedly sold, can be given back to our very dry town.
Thank you Spencer for posting on what is probably the most vital issue to our community. My hope is that the Ejido will start a year-round public relations campaign to better inform the local residents, many of whom seem to be oblivious to the situation.
Thank you for posting Spencer. Has this been shared on the La Manzanilla Life Facebook page and other social media sources? There is so much wasted water when people continue to water the street! I understand they need to keep the dust down but it comes with a grave consequence. In particular Puesta del Sol waters a very large portion of the street daily. How can we make them aware of the water concerns?
Yes, there are posts several times a week by the Agua Potable La Manzanilla team. They post on their own page and then share to La Manzanilla Life II as well as other groups. SpencerC/Moderator
That hotel has their own water well from a very long time ago and does not use much water from the town.
All the grey water from the hotel’s dishes, laundry, showering etc is collected in rotoplas containers and is then used to keep the dust down on the street.
Our Juan told me that this morning - since he was the one who installed that water system for the hotel.
Just so there is no misinformation.
Spencer - same question again - were the measurements of the 2 wells ever given to the Ejido? Or maybe it was the Ejido who did the measurements…?
Hi Anneli, yes, the water committee is part of the ejido so they have the measurements.
I’m going to start a new thread after having a good chat session with the water committee last night over messenger. I received some new (to me) information and I think it warrants a separate thread to discuss funding improvements to the system.
I am waiting for some more info on expected costs for new wells plus names of people with unpaid bills before I start that thread. SpencerC/Moderator
on May 2, 2026, 8:35 am
