El Salvador has launched a significant effort to modernize its aging water infrastructure, starting with the replacement of obsolete drinking water pipelines in strategic areas.
This initiative, led by the National Administration of Aqueducts and Sewers (ANDA), is focused on addressing long-standing weaknesses in the country’s hydraulic system by incorporating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, a material far more durable and resilient than the asbestos-cement pipes currently in use.
According to ANDA president Jorge Castaneda, El Salvador’s water system has suffered from years of underinvestment and degradation, leaving much of the infrastructure vulnerable to both natural and operational stresses.
One of the most critical problems is that the existing asbestos-cement pipes are highly prone to ruptures—particularly during strong earthquakes or under the constant pressure of vehicular loads.
“When we experience strong seismic events, the old asbestos-cement pipes tend to break. That won’t happen with the new HDPE pipes,” said Castaneda during a radio interview.
HDPE pipes offer several advantages. Their flexibility and high elasticity allow them to withstand ground movement without cracking.
They are also corrosion-resistant and have a longer service life, making them ideal for earthquake-prone countries like El Salvador. In addition, the new pipes are being installed with pressure-regulating valves, which will improve water delivery and reduce system stress, minimizing the risk of future leaks or ruptures.
Strategic Work Underway in San Salvador
Currently, ANDA is focusing on key points in the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador. One of the most visible projects is taking place near Estadio Cuscatlán and along the old road to Huizúcar, where the agency is investing $660,000 in the installation of new HDPE pipelines. The next planned intervention area is Miralvalle, another densely populated sector.
These works are being carried out using specialized technology and trained personnel, under strict quality control standards. According to ANDA, this helps optimize project execution time while minimizing disruption for nearby residents.
Importantly, the modernization is not only about infrastructure—it’s also about sustainability. By reducing water loss due to leaks and system failures, the new network will allow for better water resource management, an increasingly important goal in a country facing both climate-related and urban growth pressures.
National Rollout Uncertain, But Needed
At this point, it remains unclear whether the government’s long-term plan is to extend this replacement process across the entire country, or whether the focus will remain on priority areas within the capital region.
What is certain is that El Salvador’s water infrastructure includes thousands of kilometers of aging underground pipelines, and replacing them all would be a long-term, resource-intensive task.
Still, the current efforts signal a positive shift toward addressing structural problems that have affected water service quality for decades. By investing in modern materials and forward-looking engineering practices, El Salvador is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and reliable water supply system.
A Step Toward Modernization
This transformation of the water network reflects the broader agenda of the government of President Nayib Bukele, which has prioritized infrastructure investment as a key pillar for national development. The move to replace obsolete pipes with HDPE technology is just one part of a larger vision aimed at improving essential public services.
While the full scope of the pipe replacement program is not yet defined, these early projects represent an important first step.
If continued and expanded nationwide, they could greatly improve access to safe, stable water for millions of Salvadorans—especially in times of natural disaster, where system resilience can be the difference between service continuity and crisis.
Please follow us on X!
Follow @ElSalvadorENx