More than four million Mexico City residents will have no running water for up to five days at the end of the month due to maintenance of the capital’s main water system.

The suspensions to the Cutzamala system will start on the night of October 31 and continue until November 4, affecting 13 of Mexico City’s 16 boroughs.

Four of those — Miguel Hidalgo, Cuauhtémoc, Cuajimalpa y Álvaro Obregón — will face total cuts during the five-day period, while a further nine will be partially affected.

Mexico City Mayor José Ramón Amieva said the National Water Commission (Conagua) had planned to carry out repair and maintenance work next week but was persuaded to postpone the work.

The dates coincide with annual Day of the Dead celebrations, meaning that many Mexicans will be off work and school for at least part of the period.

The Mexico City government advised residents to prepare for the cut by stocking up on water before it begins, adding that water tankers will be used to supply hospitals, schools, prisons and other public places.

The cut to the Cutzamala system will also affect 13 México state municipalities, including many in the greater Mexico City area as well as the state capital Toluca.

For up to three days after the maintenance work concludes, water pressure is predicted to be weak but the system will return to normal by November 8, authorities said.

Source: El Heraldo de México (sp) , Noticieros Televisa (sp)