La Plata reservoir enters operational adjustment
By THE STAR STAFF
The La Plata reservoir officially entered the operational adjustment phase on Saturday, but the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) does not anticipate imposing scheduled water interruptions for customers served by the system, Executive President Luis R. González Delgado said.
González Delgado said current conditions still allow the agency to maintain service without rationing, although PRASA will continue monitoring the reservoir closely over the coming days. The utility is also evaluating whether rainfall associated with a weather event forecast for Sunday and Monday could help stabilize the basin.
PRASA began implementing preventive operational adjustments at La Plata in May, after significant declines in rainfall across its watershed signaled the onset of what has now become extreme drought affecting roughly 44% of Puerto Rico.
“Although La Plata officially entered the adjustment phase today, we have been taking measures since May to reduce the impact of decreased rainfall and protect the available supply,” González Delgado said. “Our goal is to manage the resource responsibly and make operational decisions based on the specific condition of each system.”
La Plata joins Carraízo -- placed under operational adjustments on July 27 -- and Cidra, which entered the same classification on Aug. 2.
González Delgado emphasized that an operational adjustment designation does not automatically trigger scheduled interruptions. Each reservoir’s measures depend on its storage levels, inflows, demand and operational capacity.
“In the case of La Plata, we are not contemplating scheduled interruptions at this time,” he said. “We remain attentive to the reservoir’s behavior and will continue evaluating its conditions daily. Any determination that could impact service will be communicated with sufficient notice so customers can prepare.”
Once the expected weather event passes, PRASA will assess rainfall over the basin, inflows, runoff, reservoir levels and demand trends to determine next steps.
Meanwhile, Carraízo will continue under its existing rationing plan, which PRASA considers necessary to reduce daily extraction and extend the reservoir’s remaining supply. Its condition will also be reassessed after any rainfall in the coming days.
PRASA is monitoring La Plata, Carraízo, Cidra and other stressed sources, including Río Blanco in Naguabo and the Fajardo system.
“At this moment, every drop counts,” González Delgado said, urging residents to limit water use to essential needs and avoid high‑consumption activities such as washing vehicles, filling pools, cleaning driveways with hoses or watering lawns.
