In contrast to the Suez Canal, the Panama Canal receives its water from Lake Gatún, a freshwater lake, whose level is rapidly decreasing.
Nelson Guerra, the hydrologist for the Panama Canal Authority, shows us a rusting ruler under a tower on the western end of Lake Gatún after a rough boat voyage across the body of water.
“The level, as you see on the rulers, is 81.20ft,” he states. “The level should be five feet more than now.”
The boat crosses old tree stumps protruding from the water on its return trip. When the lake was first being built, they were never completely removed. At this time of year, normally, only a handful would be visible.
