Mazar reservoir hits 2026 low, nears safe operating minimum

Ecuador's Mazar reservoir fell to 2,128.35 meters on October 9, its lowest level of 2026, now only 13.5 meters above the safe operating minimum. Inflow feeding the Paute Integral hydroelectric complex has also declined, raising risks of power generation curtailment. The development signals mounting strain on Ecuador's hydropower system amid likely drought conditions.