By John McPhaul
jpmcphaul@gmail.com
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) Executive President Doriel Pagán Crespo on Monday updated the systems that are being kept under observation and those that continue to have interruption plans due to low rainfall.
“We continue to pay attention to all the systems that, due to the low rainfall in the supply sources, are in plans for interruptions,” Pagán Crespo said. “At the moment, the following filtration plants (FP) are under an interruption plan: Canóvanas (supplies customers from Canóvanas and Loíza), El Yunque in Río Grande, Juncos Urbano (supplies clients in Juncos and two sectors of Las Piedras), Guzmán Arriba (supplies Canóvanas and a sector of Río Grande) and Aibonito filtration plants.”
The PRASA chief added that “the plants that we are observing daily and that could enter the interruption plan in the eastern zone are: Humacao filtration plant (serves Las Piedras and Humacao), Jagual in San Lorenzo, Gurabo filtration plant, Espino in San Lorenzo, Minillas in Aguas Buenas, Caguas Sur filtration plant, El Duque in Naguabo and Barranquitas Urbano filtration plant.”
In the Northern Region, the filtration plants under observation are: Cedro Arriba (serving Corozal, Naranjito and Barranquitas), Sabana Grande in Utuado and the Morovis Urbana filtration plant. Likewise, in the Metro Region, the facilities under observation are: Cubuy filtration plant in Canóvanas and Guaynabo filtration plant. In the Western Region, the Montaña filtration plant in Aguadilla has been added, and in the Southern Region, the Ruccio filtration plant in Peñuelas has also been included for observation.
“As we have reported, we are keeping an eye on the levels of the Carraízo, La Plata, Toa Vaca and Guajataca reservoirs,” Pagán Crespo added. “We will continue to make the necessary operational adjustments to our reservoirs to manage this dry period in an effective way and minimize the effect on our clients.”
The report issued by the Drought Monitor last Thursday, June 23, noted that 91.96 percent of the island continued to be affected by atypical drought conditions and another 68.03 percent was at moderate drought for the north and south. In addition, an 8.33 percent rate of severe drought was included for towns in the eastern zone.
Pagán Crespo reiterated the call for water conservation and again shared with the public the measures to take for responsible use of water, which will help conserve water during the dry period.
“We invite you to stay informed through our acueductospr social networks,” she said. “Every day we share recommendations and valuable information on the conservation of drinking water and drinking water service.”