Power outage and Water Supply Disruption Hit rosario: A Day of Challenges for Residents
On thursday, January 16, 2025, a significant failure at the rosario Oeste station left a large portion of rosario and several towns in the south of the province without electricity. The issue, which began after 2 p.m., was traced to three transformers operated by Transener, the company responsible for transporting high-voltage electrical energy. These transformers supply the EPE (Provincial Electric Entity) equipment, which steps down the voltage for residential and industrial use.
As reported by the EPE, the failure caused widespread power outages across the city and surrounding areas. In a statement posted on their official Twitter account, the EPE explained, “Consequently of the failure of three transformers in the national system, corresponding to the Transener company, part of the city of Rosario and towns in the south of the province are without service.”
Restoration Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
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Approximately 40 minutes after the defect was detected, workers successfully reconnected the transformers to the national system. While power began to normalize gradually, some areas remained without electricity as restoration efforts continued.
The power outage also had a cascading effect on the city’s water supply. The Aguas Santafesinas drinking water pumping station, located at Italia and Ocampo, was impacted by the lack of electricity. This disruption affected the southern, southwestern, central, and macro-center areas of Rosario, as well as the city of villa Gobernador Gálvez. Residents in these areas experienced low water pressure or a complete lack of drinking water.
In a public proclamation, Aguas Santafesinas urged residents to use water sparingly if they had household reserves. The company assured users that normal water pumping would resume onc the electrical service was fully restored.
Key Areas Affected
| Service | Affected Areas | Status |
|———————-|————————————————————————————|——————————–|
| Electricity | Rosario and southern towns | Partially restored |
| Drinking Water | South, southwest, Center, Macrocenter of Rosario, Villa gobernador Gálvez | Low pressure or no service |
Calls for Conservation and Patience
Residents without water reserves were advised to contact Aguas Santafesinas via their 24-hour WhatsApp service at +54 341 695-0008 for assistance. The company emphasized the importance of conserving water during this period, especially for those wiht limited reserves.
As the city works to fully restore services, the incident highlights the interconnected nature of critical infrastructure. A single failure in the electrical grid can ripple across multiple sectors, underscoring the need for robust systems and contingency plans.
For updates on the situation,residents can visit the official website of Aguas Santafesinas or follow the EPE on Twitter.
This event serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the resilience of communities in the face of unexpected challenges.
Power Outage and Water Crisis in Rosario: Expert Insights on Infrastructure Resilience
On January 16, 2025, a major power outage at the Rosario Oeste station disrupted electricity and water services across Rosario and surrounding towns. The failure, caused by issues with three transformers operated by Transener, highlighted the fragility of critical infrastructure. To better understand the situation and its implications, we spoke with Dr. María López, an infrastructure resilience expert and professor at the National University of Rosario. In this interview, Dr. López shares her insights on the causes, impacts, and lessons learned from this event.
The Root Cause of the Outage
Senior Editor: Dr. López, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the root cause of the outage. Can you explain what happened at the Rosario Oeste station and why it had such a widespread impact?
Dr. María López: Thank you for having me. The outage was caused by a failure in three transformers operated by Transener, which are critical components of the high-voltage electrical grid. These transformers step down the voltage for distribution by the Provincial Electric Entity (EPE).When they failed, it created a domino effect, cutting power to a critically important portion of Rosario and nearby towns. The interconnected nature of our infrastructure means that a single point of failure can have cascading consequences.
The Impact on Water Supply
Senior Editor: The power outage also disrupted water services. How does electricity play such a vital role in water supply systems?
Dr. María López: Water pumping stations rely heavily on electricity to operate. In this case, the Aguas Santafesinas pumping station at Italia and Ocampo was directly affected. Without power, the station couldn’t maintain normal water pressure, leading to shortages in southern, southwestern, and central Rosario, as well as villa Gobernador Gálvez. This underscores the interdependence of our utilities—electricity, water, and even telecommunications are deeply linked.
Restoration efforts and Challenges
Senior Editor: Restoration efforts began quickly, but some areas remained without power for hours.What challenges do utility companies face in such situations?
Dr. María López: Restoring power after a major outage is a complex process. First,technicians must identify the exact cause of the failure,which can take time. In this case, it was a transformer issue, but pinpointing the problem requires thorough diagnostics. Once repairs are made, the system must be re-energized gradually to avoid further damage. Additionally, some areas may experiance delays due to localized issues or the need for manual interventions. It’s a delicate balancing act between speed and safety.
The Importance of Conservation and Preparedness
Senior Editor: aguas Santafesinas urged residents to conserve water during the outage. How critical is public cooperation in such emergencies?
Dr. María López: Public cooperation is absolutely essential. During a crisis, utilities frequently enough operate at reduced capacity, and every drop of water or watt of electricity saved can make a difference. In this case, residents with water reserves were asked to use them sparingly, while those without were directed to contact Aguas Santafesinas for assistance. Preparedness at the individual level—such as having emergency supplies—can considerably ease the burden on public services and help communities recover faster.
Lessons for the Future
Senior Editor: This incident has been a wake-up call for many. What lessons can we take away to prevent similar disruptions in the future?
Dr. María López: There are several key takeaways. First,we need to invest in more robust and redundant infrastructure. For example, having backup transformers or option power sources for critical facilities like water pumping stations can mitigate the impact of outages. Second, we must improve our contingency planning and response protocols. public awareness and education are crucial. Communities need to understand the importance of conservation and preparedness, not just during emergencies but as part of everyday life.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: Dr.López, thank you for your insights. As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave for our readers?
Dr. María López: My message is one of resilience and collaboration. While infrastructure failures are inevitable, their impact can be minimized through proactive planning, investment, and community effort. Events like this remind us of the importance of working together—governments, utilities, and citizens—to build a more resilient future. Thank you for the possibility to discuss this critical issue.
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