Governor rules out rationing for La Plata this week; PRASA reduces overnight extraction

Ernesto Rodríguez, director of the National Weather Service in San Juan, estimated that areas linked to the Carraízo reservoir are facing rainfall deficits of between eight and 10 inches, while deficits in the La Plata basin range from around two to 10 inches, depending on the sector. (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón)

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón ruled out implementing a rationing plan this week for customers relying on the La Plata reservoir, noting that water levels remain far above the threshold set by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) for initiating scheduled service interruptions.

“At this moment, we do not foresee any further service interruptions this week beyond those already scheduled,” González Colón said in response to questions from the press.

The governor noted that the La Plata reservoir level is above 45 meters, whereas PRASA’s operational manual sets 38 meters as the benchmark for considering an interruption schedule.

“We are far from that point right now,” the governor said. “That doesn’t mean it will never happen, but it is not currently being contemplated.”

“Right now, if the flow continues as it is, there shouldn’t be any rationing plan for this week, and possibly not for next week either,” she added.

The governor rejected the idea of ​​implementing preventive rationing before the reservoir reaches the designated trigger levels, giving assurances that municipalities supplied by La Plata are already working with the PRASA to prepare for various scenarios should service interruptions become necessary later on.

“How could I impose rationing on communities prematurely?” she said. ‘I believe the manual specifies 38 meters, and the level is at 45. Decisions like this cannot be arbitrary.”

PRASA Executive President Luis R. González Delgado reported that the public corporation is already making operational adjustments to reduce water extraction from La Plata.

He noted that four pumping units operate during the day, extracting between 60 and 70 million gallons, but at night, one pump is turned off and extraction is reduced to approximately 50 million gallons due to lower consumption.

“In this way, we are reducing water extraction, and that is being reflected at the reservoir level by extending its useful life,” the official said.

González Delgado said the adjustments began in late April and May, when the first drought-related forecasts emerged, and that similar measures are being implemented at various facilities across Puerto Rico.

González Colón also reported that the government is considering issuing communications to distinguish between the use of potable and non-potable water in irrigation systems for gardens and green spaces.

The governor stated that, during the drought, they have observed facilities with active irrigation systems, although some use non-potable water.

“In some cases, it is non-potable water; we have no issue with non-potable water,” she said.

She added that the government would assess whether hotels, public buildings, or other facilities are using potable water to irrigate plants or green areas in sectors currently under monitoring or subject to scheduled service interruptions.

“If they are receiving water from the Aqueduct Authority for hauled-water services, the fact that they might be using potable water for landscaping creates a problem for us,” González Colón said.

The governor said the Tourism Company and the Public Buildings Authority could take steps to provide guidance regarding this distinction.

Meanwhile, Ernesto Rodríguez, director of the National Weather Service in San Juan, estimated that areas linked to the Carraízo reservoir are facing rainfall deficits of between eight and 10 inches, while deficits in the La Plata basin range from around two to 10 inches, depending on the sector.

‘Asking never hurt anyone,’ says governor regarding calls for a federal drought declaration

The governor also maintained Puerto Rico has not yet exhausted available state resources to address the drought and questioned calls to request a federal emergency declaration at this time.

“Sure, asking never hurt anyone,” she said. “There are people who ask -- since they don’t know what to say or do -- well, let’s ask for things. We can ask for them, of course.”

González Colón noted that the government declared a state emergency on July 31 and is still utilizing the mechanisms available under that declaration, including funds to acquire water tanks, water, and other resources, as well as efforts related to dry dredging.

“I have to use the State Emergency Fund first -- use state resources first -- before making a federal declaration,” she said.

The governor added that the Financial Oversight and Management Board initially authorized access to up to $20 million from the Emergency Fund and that the government could request additional resources if necessary.

As part of her argument, the governor noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has not authorized a presidential emergency declaration for drought since 1979. She compared the current situation to the 2015 drought and maintained that Puerto Rico has not yet reached those conditions.