For the second consecutive year, the company will carry out this initiative, providing practical recommendations and strengthening coordinated work with authorities.
Colbún, July 1, 2026.- With the aim of contributing to better preparedness for weather events typical of the season, Colbún S.A. has launched its Winter 2026 Campaign, an initiative designed to promote prevention, self-care, and timely information in communities near regulated bodies of water in the Maule Region.
The campaign seeks to provide practical tools to help people better handle scenarios such as heavy rainfall, rising river flows, and potential flooding, while also strengthening coordinated work with authorities and technical agencies responsible for emergency management.
Through various communication channels and educational content, the company will share recommendations and relevant information so that families are aware of the risks associated with the winter season and take preventive measures in their homes and surroundings.
“Every winter reminds us of the importance of being prepared. We know that climate events are becoming increasingly intense, and that is why we believe that knowledge and prevention are essential to keeping people safe. We invite our neighbors to stay informed through official channels and to trust in the coordination processes in place to handle these situations. In the case of the Colbún reservoir, any operation related to potential spills is carried out following strict protocols and in coordination with the competent authorities, always with the focus on community safety,” said Carolina Jacques, Head of Central Communities for the Maule Zone at Colbún S.A.
The role of the Colbún reservoir during periods of heavy rainfall
With a capacity of nearly 1.5 billion cubic meters, the Colbún reservoir plays an important role in the water regulation of the Maule River basin, storing part of the flows from the high Andes and helping to mitigate the effects of significant water increases downstream.
Its operation is governed by the provisions established in the Reservoir Control Manual, developed in accordance with Law No. 20.304, which regulates reservoir operations during flood alerts and emergencies, and includes permanent coordination with agencies such as the General Directorate of Water (DGA), the Meteorological Directorate of Chile, SENAPRED, and the National Electric Coordinator.
The complex also features real-time monitoring systems and specialized teams that continuously assess hydrological and meteorological conditions to support operational decision-making.
Current regulations establish that when the reservoir reaches 88% of its capacity and projected flow rates exceed 2,000 cubic meters per second, preventive spills may be carried out — that is, a controlled release of stored water. These measures are implemented in a gradual and controlled manner, following prior coordination with national, regional, and local authorities, along with an information process directed at nearby communities.
“Our commitment is to operate in a safe and responsible manner, complying with current regulations and maintaining ongoing communication with authorities and neighboring communities. Coordination and timely information are fundamental elements for adequately addressing any scenario associated with intense climate events,” said José Fuentealba, Deputy Manager of the Colbún Complex.
Recommendations for facing the winter season:
As part of this campaign, Colbún S.A. shares some basic prevention measures to reduce risks during winter:
To learn more about the operation of the Colbún Reservoir and its role in managing hydrometeorological events, watch the following informational video: https://youtu.be/hqxT_XvHFso
