Feasibility of rainwater collection systems at residential level is subject of measure

Rep. José Pérez Cordero 

By THE STAR STAFF

Faced with the possibility of an acute drought that forces a water rationing program, Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero announced on Monday the filing of a measure that seeks to investigate the possibility of installing water collection and storage systems from rainfall at residences.

“Rainwater harvesting offers multiple environmental, economic and social benefits,” said Pérez Cordero, who chairs the Judiciary Committee in the lower chamber of the island Legislature. “Among these is the reduction of the demand on public aqueduct systems, the reduction of the volume of runoff that contributes to the erosion and sedimentation of our bodies of water, as well as the reduction of costs associated with the treatment and distribution of the resource. Catchment systems strengthen the resilience of households, businesses, and institutions to service interruptions.”

Various jurisdictions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Hawaiian island of Oahu, among others, have adopted innovative measures to promote stormwater harvesting. 

In the U.S.V.I., there is legislation in place that requires the installation of rainwater storage systems in certain residential and commercial structures. Such initiatives have helped strengthen water resilience and reduce dependence on centralized systems in the communities where they have been implemented. 

Puerto Rico receives significant amounts of precipitation for much of the year. The collection and storage of rainwater, the at-large lawmaker noted, represents a viable alternative to complement traditional sources of supply, particularly for agricultural, domestic and commercial uses, and even for human consumption through adequate treatment and purification systems. 

“The Aqueduct and Sewer Authority faces challenges such as the need to strengthen the resilience of the distribution system, diversify available water sources, and address the effects of climate change on Puerto Rico’s water resources,” Pérez Cordero. “It is meritorious that this Legislative Assembly evaluates additional alternatives for the sustainable management of water resources.”