Metro region water infrastructure to receive $14.7 million upgrade

More than $10.7 million of the investment will go toward upgrades at the Finca Rosso 1 Pumping Station, which serves customers in Bayamón, Guaynabo and parts of San Juan.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Sunday announced the start of two infrastructure projects aimed at improving the drinking water system in the metropolitan region, an initiative expected to benefit more than 60,000 customers, according to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority.

The projects, representing a combined investment of about $14.7 million, are intended to address long‑standing deficiencies in the metro region’s water system, strengthen service reliability and increase resilience during emergencies. Officials said the work aligns with the administration’s broader effort to modernize critical infrastructure across the island.

González Colón was joined at the announcement by PRASA Executive President Luis R. González Delgado, Bayamón Mayor Ramón Luis Rivera, Guaynabo Mayor Edward O’Neill and PRASA Vice President of Operations Luis J. Ortiz.

“Reliable access to drinking water is an essential service that impacts the health, safety and quality of life of our people,” the governor said. “We could not continue postponing solutions to problems that have gone unaddressed for years.”

More than $10.7 million of the investment will go toward upgrades at the Finca Rosso 1 Pumping Station, which serves customers in Bayamón, Guaynabo and parts of San Juan. Since Aug. 17, the facility has experienced severe service interruptions following significant voltage fluctuations in the electrical system, causing structural failures, internal pipe ruptures, slab collapse, flooding and damage to electrical and control components.

The PRASA chief said the governor’s emergency declaration expedited the response.

“Her decision allowed the project to move forward quickly, preventing greater risks to the system and ensuring continuity of service for thousands of customers,” González Delgado said.

Construction is scheduled to begin today and will be carried out in two phases, including structural repairs, replacement of piping with more durable materials, modernization of electrical and control systems, and rehabilitation of critical equipment. The work is expected to take 60 to 90 days, with completion projected for April.

A separate initiative is underway in the Santurce community of Monteflores, where about 700 families have faced low pressure and intermittent service for more than 15 years. The $4 million project is funded through PRASA’s Capital Improvement Program, which includes more than $2.3 billion in investments and 105 active projects islandwide. The Monteflores project is 30% through its design phase, with bidding expected to open in April.

“Today we tell the Monteflores community that their long-standing demand has been heard,” the governor said. “This project represents justice for hundreds of families who lived with unstable service for years.”