Health professionals urge gov’t to protect water sources from development projects
By THE STAR STAFF
A coalition of Puerto Rico health professionals is calling on the island’s executive and legislative branches to treat access to safe drinking water as a public health priority and to protect natural areas that serve as critical water sources from development projects and proposed legislative measures.
In a letter addressed to government officials, the health professionals expressed concern about proposals they say could threaten Puerto Rico’s water resources, including House Bill 1079, which they contend could affect the island’s karst region, and a Senate substitute measure encompassing Senate Bills 1173 and 1183, which they said would impact lands classified as specially protected rustic soils under Puerto Rico’s Land Use Plan.
The signatories argued that guaranteeing safe, sufficient and reliable water supplies is essential for public health, noting that potable water is indispensable for hydration, food preparation, hygiene and the operation of healthcare services.
The letter comes as Puerto Rico continues to grapple with water availability challenges linked to drought conditions and aging infrastructure. According to the health professionals, future responses to water shortages must place special emphasis on vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, pregnant women and people living with chronic illnesses or requiring ongoing medical care.
They also emphasized the need to address obstacles that make it more difficult for lower-income communities to protect themselves during water emergencies.
“Protecting public health requires clear and timely public information about water quality and availability, as well as measures that allow people to make informed decisions,” the letter states.
The group further argued that government policies related to water management should be guided by scientific evidence, equity considerations and public accountability.
Among their recommendations, the health professionals urged government officials to develop planning and preparedness measures for future droughts that prioritize access to drinking water for vulnerable populations in order to prevent illness, death and interruptions in medical care.
The letter also calls for a publicly available timetable outlining efforts to improve water infrastructure and reduce potable water losses, including quarterly benchmarks and verifiable accountability measures. In addition, the signatories requested permanent protections for Puerto Rico’s water sources and environmentally sensitive areas that contribute to groundwater recharge and storage.
The group framed water security as a fundamental health issue rather than solely an environmental or infrastructure concern, warning that the consequences of inadequate access to clean water extend across the healthcare system and affect the quality of life of residents throughout the archipelago.
The letter concludes with an appeal for urgent action from the aforementioned two branches of government, arguing that addressing Puerto Rico’s water challenges cannot be separated from the responsibility to ensure safe and dignified living conditions for all residents.
