Bavaria: the neighborhood where water comes in trickles
If you live in Santa Marta and say the water service is bad, a neighbor from Bavaria will reply: “come and see.” While in the Centro or El Rodadero the supply fails every now and then, in Bavaria water is a luxury scheduled with buckets and tanks. As of May 2026, the neighborhood averages 36 hours without water per week, according to complaints from the Community Action Board. This is not new: since 2018, old pipes and lack of investment have turned the local aqueduct into a promise that the Mayor's Office and the Santa Marta Public Utilities Company (Essmar) have not kept.
Bavaria is not a newly founded neighborhood. It is consolidated, with two-story houses, paved streets, and a neighborhood life that many envy. But when the water stops flowing, everything comes to a halt: children can't bathe, adults can't cook, and businesses close. And the worst part: no one seems to be in a hurry to fix it.
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Hard data: the hours without water no one counts
To understand the problem, you have to look at the numbers. Essmar reports that the scheduled shutoff in Bavaria is 12 hours every two days. But residents say the water doesn't return for 24 or 48 hours. In practice, this means a family in Bavaria gets water only 3 or 4 days a week, and sometimes with low pressure.
Compare this to the rest of the city: in the Centro, shutoffs are 6 to 8 hours every three days. In El Rodadero, service is almost continuous, except for emergencies. The difference is abysmal. According to a 2023 study by the Universidad del Magdalena, Bavaria is among the five neighborhoods with the worst aqueduct service in Santa Marta, along with Altos de Bahía, Los Almendros, San Martín, and 11 de Noviembre.
- Average hours without water in Bavaria (2026): 36 hours/week.
- Average hours without water in El Rodadero (2026): 8 hours/week.
- Leaks reported in Bavaria (2018-2024): 47, according to formal complaints to Essmar.
- Investment in the Bavaria aqueduct (2020-2025): $0 COP reported in public works.
The lack of official data doesn't help. Essmar does not publish a breakdown by neighborhood of service hours. Residents have had to create their own records, with photos of meters and WhatsApp groups in the neighborhood. “Here we all have a mental calendar of when the water comes,” says Doña Marta, who has lived on 22nd Street with 5th Avenue since 2008.
Map of historical leaks (2018-2024)
The pipes in Bavaria are over 30 years old. They are made of asbestos-cement, a material that the World Health Organization advises against due to health risks and because it fractures easily. Since 2018, residents have reported at least 47 leaks on the neighborhood's streets. Some were repaired in weeks; others, like the one on 4th Avenue with 24th Street, remained open for more than six months.
- 2018: Leak on 3rd Avenue with 21st Street. It lasted 4 months. Water ran down the street and formed puddles that bred mosquitoes.
- 2020: Two simultaneous leaks on 23rd Street. In the middle of the pandemic, residents had to shut off the main valve with their own hands to avoid flooding the houses.
- 2022: Rupture of a main pipe on 5th Avenue. It left the entire neighborhood without water for 5 days. Essmar said it was “a scheduled failure.”
- 2024: Leak on 20th Street that gushed potable water for 3 weeks. Residents filled buckets while Essmar didn't answer calls.
The situation is so critical that the Community Action Board, led by Carlos Mendoza, has filed three formal petitions with Essmar since 2021. None has received a response that includes a work plan with dates. “They tell us they are in the bidding process, but we've been hearing that for five years,” says Mendoza.
Testimonies from three residents on different streets
So it doesn't remain abstract complaints, here are the voices of those who live the problem every day.
Doña Marta, 22nd Street with 5th Avenue
“I've been living here for 18 years. Before, water came every day, though with low pressure. Since 2019, the shutoffs started every two days. Now, if I'm lucky, I get it on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekends are a miracle. I have to have four 200-liter tanks on the terrace to be able to bathe and cook. Once I forgot to fill them on a Friday and I spent all Saturday unable to wash the dishes. This is no life.”
Jorge, 4th Avenue with 23rd Street
“I'm a civil engineer and I've seen the pipes. They are asbestos-cement, the kind no longer used in any serious city. Every time it rains hard, they burst. I call Essmar and they tell me they'll send a crew, but no one comes. In 2023, the leak on my street lasted six months. They patched it up and two days later it would start again. In the end, the neighbors bought cement and patched it ourselves. That shouldn't happen.”
Lucía, 20th Street with 6th Avenue
“I have a grocery store. Without water, I can't sell anything. Customers ask if I have cold soda and I tell them no because the ice doesn't form. I've lost money because people go to buy in other neighborhoods. I've sent letters to the Mayor's Office, the City Council, the Ombudsman's Office. No one answers. It seems like Bavaria doesn't exist to them.”
Comparison with investment in the El Rodadero aqueduct
While Bavaria waits, El Rodadero receives. In 2022, Essmar announced an investment of 12 billion pesos to renovate the El Rodadero aqueduct. The works included new pipes, pumping stations, and a storage tank. The result: today the service in that area is almost continuous.
In the same period, Bavaria did not receive a single peso of direct investment in its aqueduct network. The official justification is that El Rodadero is a tourist hub and generates more tax revenue. But Bavaria residents also pay their water bills, and they are not cheap: an average monthly bill in the neighborhood is around $80,000 COP.
The difference is not just about budget, but political priority. El Rodadero has hotels, restaurants, and a local mayor's office that pressures. Bavaria has a community action board that sends letters. “There is no shopping mall or five-star hotel here, but we are thousands of families who pay taxes,” says Carlos Mendoza.
A fact few know: the Bavaria aqueduct shares a pipe with Mamatoco, another neighborhood with similar problems. When there is a leak in Mamatoco, the water in Bavaria is also cut off. Essmar has not separated the networks, which would make it easier to identify and repair failures.
Open letter to the Santa Marta Public Utilities Company
Gentlemen of Essmar:
You know that Bavaria exists. You have the leak reports, the residents' complaints, and the meeting minutes. But so far, the responses are evasive: “we are in the diagnostic process,” “the bidding is ongoing,” “there will be news soon.”
The residents of Bavaria are not asking for a brand new aqueduct overnight. They ask for:
- A clear schedule with dates for repairing the main pipes.
- A reduction in shutoffs to a maximum of 12 hours per week, like in the Centro.
- A direct emergency hotline that is not a call center that never answers.
- Transparency in investment: how much has been budgeted for Bavaria in 2026?
If you do not act, the residents are organizing a peaceful protest in front of the Essmar headquarters on 1st Avenue with 22nd Street. They don't want to go that far. But water cannot wait.
Local tips to survive water shutoffs in Bavaria
While Essmar doesn't solve it, here are some practical tips from those who have been dealing with this for years.
- Invest in storage tanks. A 500-liter tank costs between $150,000 and $250,000 COP at hardware stores on 5th Avenue. It's enough for two days of basic use.
- Fill the tanks as soon as the water arrives. Don't wait for it to run out. Many neighbors set alarms on their phones to remember.
- Use water filters. The water that arrives sometimes comes out cloudy due to repairs. An activated carbon filter costs about $40,000 COP and improves quality.
- Buy a 20-liter jug for emergencies. It's sold in stores on 22nd Street for $15,000 COP. It's useful for drinking and cooking if the big tank fails.
- Join the neighborhood WhatsApp group. Search for “Vecinos Bavaria” in the app. They announce when the water arrives and report leaks.
- Report leaks formally. Not just by phone. File a formal petition at the Santa Marta Ombudsman's Office (17th Street with 3rd Avenue). It's free and forces Essmar to respond in writing.
How to get to Bavaria and get around the neighborhood
Bavaria is located south of Santa Marta, near the Troncal del Caribe. To get there from the Centro or El Rodadero, you can take a city bus that says “Bavaria” or “Mamatoco.” The most common route is the one that leaves from Avenida del Ferrocarril. The fare is $2,500 COP (reference price as of May 2026).
If you go by private car, from the Troncal del Caribe take the exit towards 5th Avenue. The neighborhood has narrow streets, so it's better to park in designated areas. There is no public parking lot, but many houses offer space for $5,000 COP per hour.
Getting around inside Bavaria is easy on foot. Distances are short: from 20th Street to 24th Street is just a 10-minute walk. There are no bike lanes, but most streets are flat and safe during the day. At night, some areas are dark due to lack of street lighting, so bring a flashlight or use your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there more water shutoffs in Bavaria than in other neighborhoods?
The main reason is that the pipes are old (asbestos-cement, installed over 30 years ago) and have not been replaced. Additionally, the Bavaria network shares a pipe with Mamatoco, which multiplies the failures. Essmar has not prioritized investments in this area, unlike El Rodadero or the Centro.
What can I do if there is a leak on my street?
Report the leak to Essmar at line 116, but don't stop there. File a formal petition at the Santa Marta Ombudsman's Office (17th Street with 3rd Avenue, office 201). You can also join the WhatsApp group “Vecinos Bavaria” to coordinate collective complaints. If the leak is serious, neighbors can shut off the main valve with authorization from the Community Action Board.
Are there plans from the Mayor's Office to improve the Bavaria aqueduct?
As of May 2026, there are no confirmed works. Essmar has mentioned a “network renewal plan” for 2027, but without dates or allocated budget. Residents have requested a meeting with the mayor of Santa Marta, but have not received a response. It is recommended to continue pressuring through the City Council and the Ombudsman's Office.
Is the water that arrives potable?
Generally, yes, but it can come out cloudy after a repair. Essmar assures that the water is potable, but many residents prefer to boil it or use filters. If you notice a very strong chlorine smell or brown color, report the anomaly and avoid consuming it until it passes.
How can I help improve the situation?
Download the leak report prepared by the Community Action Board (available at the neighborhood library or by asking Carlos Mendoza) and send it to your local councilor. Share this article in neighborhood WhatsApp groups and on social media with the hashtag #BavariaConAgua. The more noise is made, the harder it will be for the Mayor's Office to ignore the problem.
Historical or contextual introduction
The Bavaria Aqueduct, inaugurated in 1940, was a milestone in Santa Marta's infrastructure. Its construction arose in response to the growing demand for potable water in the region, driven by industrial development and urban expansion. Although it was considered an advanced engineering work in its time, over the years it has faced #us maintenance and modernization challenges that have led to a critical water supply situation.
The history of the aqueduct is intimately linked to the growth of Santa Marta, which has gone from being a small colonial port to a vibrant city. However, the lack of investment in its maintenance has caused many residents to experience water shutoffs and quality problems. Over the years, attempts at restoration and updating have been made, but the general perception is that the Mayor's Office has neglected this vital infrastructure.
It is important to remember that the Bavaria Aqueduct not only represents a water supply system; it is a symbol of the development and challenges facing Santa Marta today. The struggle for equitable and sustainable access to water is a theme that resonates in many communities in the city.
What to do
Visiting Bavaria can be an enriching experience, beyond simply observing the aqueduct. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your visit to this area of Santa Marta.
Learn about local history
Visiting the Casa de la Cultura de Santa Marta is an excellent way to learn about the history of Bavaria and its importance in the development of the aqueduct. The house often hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events that reflect the local heritage.
Insider Tip: Ask about the talks or guided tours offered. Often, the guides are passionate locals who share stories and anecdotes you won't find in books.
Explore local gastronomy
You can't leave Bavaria without trying the culinary delights it offers. Look for a family restaurant where they serve typical dishes like ajiaco or sancocho. These dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Insider Tip: Ask for the "menu of the day." Many local restaurants offer homemade options that are more affordable and allow you to try several typical dishes in one visit.
Enjoy nature
The area around Bavaria has access to beautiful natural landscapes. Consider walking the nearby trails and exploring the local flora and fauna. The proximity to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta offers unique opportunities for nature lovers.
Insider Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you like birdwatching. The region is home to several species that are hard to see in other parts of the country.
Visit local markets
The markets in Bavaria are perfect for immersing yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants. Here you can find everything from tropical fruits to local crafts. It's an ideal place to interact with locals and learn more about their lifestyle.
Insider Tip: Don't hesitate to haggle a bit. In these markets, it's common to negotiate prices, and this can be a fun way to interact with the vendors.
Where to eat or drink
El Fogón de la Abuela
A perfect place to enjoy authentic Samarian cuisine. Here, dishes are prepared with traditional recipes passed down through generations. Don't miss the fish sancocho, a local classic that highlights the flavors of the Caribbean.
Insider Tip: Ask for the dish of the day, as the menu changes based on the availability of fresh ingredients at the local market, ensuring a unique experience each time you visit.
Café de la Plaza
Located on the main square, this café is ideal for a break while exploring the historic center. They offer high-quality Colombian coffee and a variety of typical desserts. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for observing the bustle of Santa Marta.
Insider Tip: Be sure to try the arequipe with cheese, a sweet and savory combination that is a delight for the palate. Also, if you can, visit in the mornings to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.