Reservoirs are emptying, but rain is due

According to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, the surface level at La Plata reservoir in Comerío fell nine centimeters to 45.71 meters, bringing it even closer to the level triggering operational adjustments, which is 44.90 meters. (Facebook Soy Turista En Puerto Rico)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) said Tuesday that 14 reservoirs registered decreases in their water supplies during the preceding 24 hours amid the dry conditions that continue to affect the island.

But help is on the way in the form of a tropical wave that is forecast to move into Puerto Rico on Wednesday, according to a National Weather Service (NWS) forecast.

According to PRASA, the surface level at La Plata reservoir in Comerío fell nine centimeters, bringing it even closer to the level triggering operational adjustments. Currently, the reservoir is at 45.71 meters, while to enter the adjustment phase it must reach 44.90 meters.

Another reservoir that registered a decrease was Carraízo in Trujillo Alto, with a reduction of seven centimeters, followed by Cidra, which decreased one centimeter. Both reservoirs, which supply customers in San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Carolina, Canóvanas, Gurabo, Aguas Buenas, Caguas, Cayey and Cidra, have been in the operational adjustment phase for several weeks.

Carraízo’s water level is at 37.69 meters, while Cidra’s is at 400.15 meters.

Along similar lines, most other island reservoirs registered water level decreases, led by Guayo in Lares with a reduction of 0.21 meters. Others, led by Dos Bocas in Arecibo and Fajardo (both at 0.09 meters), saw reductions under .10 meters.

Meanwhile, the water level at Lucchetti in Yauco increased 0.19 meters, and at Caonillas in Utuado the level rose 0.02 meters. Matrullas in Orocovis, Garzas in Adjuntas and Loco in Yauco registered no changes.

The NWS in San Juan reported meanwhile that the weather pattern would begin to change Tuesday night and become wetter today, due to the arrival of a vigorous tropical wave, previously identified by the National Hurricane Center as Invest 94L, which will favor an increase in downpours and thunderstorm activity.

The NWS specified that precipitable water -- the total amount of water vapor present in a column of air that, if condensed and precipitated, would form a layer of water on the surface -- could reach some 2.25 inches, a value higher than normal.

“The tropical wave will interact with a deep trough, which will increase the possibility of moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms,” the agency noted. “Models still show uncertainty about how much moisture will reach the islands directly and how much rain will fall. If the current forecast is fulfilled, there will be periods of moderate to locally heavy downpours over eastern Puerto Rico, followed by more activity during the afternoon over the interior and west.”

The NWS noted that more intense thunderstorms could also produce frequent lightning strikes and strong gusts of wind.

“This rain would be beneficial for areas that currently have dry conditions,” the NWS added. “After the passage of the wave, a drier and more stable air mass will quickly return on Thursday. This air mass will be accompanied by low concentrations of Saharan dust and should remain over the region over the weekend.”