San Juan expands emergency response to water crisis
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
As new breakdowns and ongoing operational challenges continue to disrupt potable water service across the San Juan metropolitan region, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo announced on Sunday that the municipality has expanded its emergency response to support communities experiencing prolonged interruptions and low water pressure.
The city is deploying additional tanker trucks, operating fixed water distribution sites, installing portable restrooms in Old San Juan, and coordinating with public agencies and other municipalities to meet the growing demand for assistance.
Romero Lugo said the situation has worsened in recent days as more communities have reported service interruptions or reduced pressure. He noted that new breakdowns and operational adjustments could affect even more residents, prompting the municipality to intensify its response.
“Our focus is simple: reach more communities, assist more people, and use every available resource to reduce the impact this situation is having on our residents,” the mayor said.
According to the Municipal Office of Emergency Management, San Juan has handled 3,074 water-related cases from June 1 to June 13. Of those, 804 were addressed by delivering nearly half a million gallons of potable water to homes, condominiums, businesses, schools, government entities, and other affected communities. Another 2,152 cases remain open, and municipal teams are prioritizing the most urgent needs.
The municipality now has 55 tanker trucks available for water distribution, a significant expansion, officials say, that enables faster response and broader coverage. Eleven of the trucks are owned by the municipality, 14 are contracted, six are provided by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), and four are assigned by the Puerto Rico National Guard. Three additional trucks will be added in the coming days.
San Juan is also receiving support from municipalities across Puerto Rico, which together have contributed 17 tanker trucks to reinforce the distribution effort. Participating towns include Cidra, Las Piedras, Humacao, Ponce, Trujillo Alto, Mayagüez, Villalba, Arecibo, Peñuelas, Juana Díaz and Manatí. Romero Lugo thanked the mayors who have joined the effort, calling the collaboration an example of municipal solidarity in a moment of crisis.
The municipality continues to operate nine fixed water distribution points in strategic communities, including four in Lloréns Torres and others in Las Margaritas, Residencial Las Casas, Villa Kennedy, PR‑842, and the former Rafael Quiñones Vidal School. Those sites remain active as residents continue to face inconsistent service.
To support residents, businesses and visitors in Old San Juan, the city installed portable restrooms at Plaza Salvador Brau, Plaza San José, Calle Rafael Cordero near Plaza de Armas, and alongside the José Julián Acosta School. Each location includes a standard unit and an accessible unit. The service will remain available through June 18 and may be extended if necessary.
The municipality also coordinated with the Public Housing Administration to ensure residents of Puerta de Tierra, San Agustín, San Antonio and Parque San Agustín have access to potable water through their residential administrators. The measure is intended to reinforce essential services for vulnerable communities while the broader system remains unstable.
Romero Lugo emphasized that while PRASA continues to work to resolve breakdowns and address operational issues, the municipality will remain focused on meeting the immediate needs of affected families. He said the goal is to continue expanding the municipal response and to use every available tool to reduce the crisis’ impact on residents’ quality of life.
Residents needing assistance may contact the Municipal Office of Emergency Management at 787‑480‑2025 or visit sanjuan.pr for updated information on available services.