Gov’t to pause Carraízo rationing for 48 to 72 hours

Carraízo reservoir reached a level of some 38.5 meters, placing it back in the observation category and removing it from the category requiring interruptions. (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón)

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced on Tuesday a 48-to-72-hour pause in the rationing plan for customers supplied by the Carraízo reservoir, after recent rains and runoff raised its water level by more than a meter, bringing it into the observation phase.

“This means we are issuing instructions to pause -- specifically, to pause the scheduled service interruptions for tomorrow -- allowing for a break of 48 to possibly 72 hours. This means that everyone in Zone 1 and Zone 2 will be able to receive water service over the next 48 to 72 hours,” González Colón said during a social media broadcast from La Fortaleza.

The governor noted that Carraízo reached a level of some 38.5 meters, placing it back in the observation category and removing it from the operational adjustments that had necessitated the scheduled interruptions.

González Colón said the pause would begin today -- likely after midday -- once the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) completes the pumping and recovery process required to deliver water to both zones.

González Colón emphasized that the measure does not yet represent a permanent end to the service interruption plan, “because we must continue monitoring Carraízo’s water levels.”

The governor said the government would evaluate later in the week whether the pause could be extended.

In possible addition to the rainfall on Sunday and Monday, the National Weather Service forecasts another one to three inches of rain between Thursday and Friday.

The rise in water levels will, for the time being, force the postponement of the shoreline dredging the government had planned for the reservoir, as the area where machinery was set to enter is once again submerged.

As an additional measure to boost the water supply for the metropolitan area, the governor announced that the administration has identified 12 to 15 wells that had been out of service for the past 15 to 25 years, with five wells receiving priority that could collectively add at least five million gallons of water per day to the metropolitan area within the next two months.

Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana identified the priority wells as Campanillas, Levittown, Dorado IRI 1, Dorado IRI 2, and Maguayo, located in Bayamón, Dorado and other northern sectors.