As if a hurricane had passed: Puerto Rico’s Water Crisis Deepens
As if a hurricane had passed – Across the US territory, a mounting water shortage has pushed thousands of residents and business owners to their limits. For weeks, communities have struggled with intermittent supply, prompting Governor Jenniffer González-Colón to deploy the National Guard to help distribute drinking water. While the capital city of San Juan is heavily impacted, neighboring municipalities such as Bayamón, Guaynabo, and Loíza are also reporting significant service interruptions. The situation has become so severe that locals describe the disruption as if a hurricane had passed, comparing it to the devastation of 2017’s storm.
Businesses Struggle to Stay Open
Jonathan Collazo manages two dining establishments in a lively part of San Juan, where the lack of water has become a daily headache. To maintain operations, he depends on large cisterns, notably a 1,000-gallon reservoir that requires refilling every other day. Each refill costs roughly $300, meaning Collazo spent $600 on a single Thursday just to ensure his venues had enough water for patrons. In extreme cases, logistical challenges force him to shut down certain restrooms entirely.
Reflecting on the duration of the issue, Collazo noted,
“We were without water for more than 50 days here on Calle Loíza.”
He explained that the troubles began back in May, punctuated only by short windows of normalcy. The inconsistency has left both him and his neighbors bewildered. “Customers are confused,” he added, emphasizing that the prolonged disruption feels as if a hurricane had passed through their daily lives.
Financial Burden Mounts
Kali Solack and Hilda Deli, who own Café Regina, have been tracking their water expenses on a tally board displayed in their window. They report spending approximately $300 per day on water deliveries to keep their business running. Communication gaps between the public water authority and residents have compounded the frustration. “We don’t know when the water is coming or going,” Solack explained, highlighting the uncertainty that defines life during this crisis.
The root causes of the shortage include a major rupture in the 72-inch Superaqueduct pipe in Bayamón back in June, which affected multiple treatment plants. Combined with ongoing drought conditions and aging infrastructure, the territory’s water system has struggled to recover. With hurricane season approaching, officials worry that another storm could further damage already weakened pipes and reservoirs.
Residents Face Daily Hardships
For residents without private cisterns, the situation is particularly difficult. Many rely on bottled water and community distribution stations to meet their basic needs. Marta Acevedo, a 75-year-old resident who has lived in her building for 44 years, said the current crisis feels worse than Hurricane María. “It’s been difficult,” she shared, describing how her family conserves every drop of water they receive.
Local officials have taken legal action to address the problem. Mayor Miguel Romero of San Juan filed a lawsuit against the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (Prasa) to seek compensation for damages and improved service. He has also contacted the Governor’s office to request additional resources and support for affected communities.
As the territory navigates this challenging period, residents continue to adapt to life as if a hurricane had passed every day. With 3.2 million people affected and nearly 40% living below the poverty line, the economic and social impacts of the water shortage are expected to linger well beyond the immediate crisis.
