Lake Suchitlán, El Salvador’s largest reservoir and a vital hub for hydropower generation, is now at the center of an escalating ecological crisis. A rapid spread of water lettuce—locally known as camalote—is choking the reservoir’s waters, disrupting energy production, harming biodiversity, and undermining local livelihoods.
Every day, residents equipped with excavators, dump trucks, and manual tools work tirelessly to remove swathes of the invasive plant. Since late July, more than 1,270 metric tons of vegetation—equivalent to nine soccer fields—have been cleared from the surface. Yet, despite these efforts, the weed continues to spread at an alarming pace, fueled by a mix of nutrient-rich runoff, untreated wastewater, pollution, and seasonal rains.
The problem is not simply aesthetic. Suchitlán is more than a reservoir; it is a specially designated wetland, home to migratory birds, native plants, and a diverse range of aquatic species. As the floating weed blankets the surface, it smothers native vegetation, depletes oxygen, and blocks sunlight from reaching underwater ecosystems. The consequences ripple outward: fish populations decline, fishermen lose their income, and the ecological balance is thrown into disarray.
Energy security is also at stake. The reservoir plays a crucial role in El Salvador’s hydroelectric system, yet the dense mats of vegetation clog turbines and reduce power generation capacity. This adds another layer of vulnerability to a country that relies heavily on hydropower to meet its electricity needs.
Authorities are working with local communities to contain the outbreak through large-scale removal operations. But the challenge runs deeper. Without addressing the upstream causes—agricultural runoff rich in fertilizers, untreated sewage, and unmanaged waste—the cycle is likely to repeat.
The crisis at Cerrón Grande underscores a broader truth: environmental degradation rarely stays confined to nature alone. It quickly intersects with human livelihoods, public health, and national infrastructure. Solving it will demand more than cleanup—it will require integrated watershed management and long-term collaboration across sectors.
