(With video) The first water-saving basin of the Agua Clara Locks' upper chamber has been filled to begin a rigorous and methodical testing process, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced.
Once the basin was filled, testing was conducted on the basin's emptying and filling system to confirm it is watertight. Contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) will proceed with filling the remaining intermediate and lower basins.
Sixty Per Cent of the Water is Reused
For each of the three chambers in the Agua Clara and Cocoli Locks, there are a total of three water-savings basins, bringing the total to eighteen basins for the new locks. Each of the basins has a surface area equivalent to 25 Olympic-size pools and each utilises state-of-the art technology which allows the Canal to reuse sixty per cent of the water used per lockage, saving seven per cent more than the existing locks.
As the water used is obtained from Gatun Lake, Panama's main supply of drinking water, it is essential the water is used as sustainably as possible.
Below a video by the ACP of the water-saving basin being filled. The picture at the top is a still of the same video.
