Gov’t broadens water distribution in San Juan metro area

Following a multi‑agency coordination meeting with the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, the Puerto Rico National Guard, and private‑sector representatives, government officials identified additional resources to be deployed immediately to bolster water delivery in affected northern island communities. (Facebook via Puerto Rico National Guard July 30/2025)

By THE STAR STAFF

The central government has intensified its emergency water distribution operation as thousands of customers of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) continue to face service interruptions, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced over the weekend.

Following a multi‑agency coordination meeting with PRASA, the Puerto Rico National Guard, and private‑sector representatives, officials identified additional resources to be deployed immediately to bolster water delivery in affected northern communities.

“We have been focused from the very beginning on ensuring that our people have access to potable water while system recovery work continues,” González Colón said. “We are mobilizing every available resource from the government and the private sector to address this emergency with urgency.”

As part of the expanded response, the National Guard activated four 2,000‑gallon tanker trucks to serve communities in Guaynabo and Bayamón.

The Tourism Company has also added high‑capacity trucks -- each capable of transporting 12,800 gallons -- which will be filled at a dedicated site in Bayamón to avoid disrupting regular PRASA operations. The units will primarily supply condominium cisterns and sectors in Isla Verde, easing demand on the main distribution system and helping accelerate service restoration.

In addition, the Department of Agriculture coordinated with the island’s dairy industry to identify three milk‑transport trucks that will be inspected and certified by the Department of Health for potable water use. Once cleared, they will join the distribution fleet.

Altogether, the government expected on Sunday to add at least 10 additional trucks to the operation by afternoon, supplementing PRASA’s existing resources. The governor also requested that PRASA reassign tanker trucks from other regions to reinforce the northern response.

The measures follow Executive Order 2026‑028, signed Friday, which activated the National Guard to provide logistical, transportation and water distribution support.

“The message to our people is clear: we are taking action,” González Colón said. “All government agencies are working in coordination to deliver water to affected communities and speed up the restoration of service. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking any additional steps necessary.”

Residents are urged to stay informed through PRASA’s official channels for updates on water distribution sites, “oasis” locations and service restoration progress.