Senate panel to probe water interruptions impacting Arecibo, Hatillo

Luis González Delgado, executive president of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority

By THE STAR STAFF

A Senate committee will conduct an on-site inspection of the Cerro Márquez Tank Pumping Station, also known as the “Two Million Tank,” to investigate the chronic water service interruptions affecting thousands of residents in Arecibo and Hatillo.

Senate Planning, Permits, Infrastructure, and Urban Development Committee Chairman Héctor “Gaby” González López announced over the weekend that the inspection will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. on highway PR-10 at kilometer 85.2.

Luis González Delgado, executive president of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), has been summoned to present a detailed report on the rehabilitation projects, the funds allocated, and the work completed.

The action follows Senate Resolution (SR) 273, a measure filed by González López, the Arecibo district senator, and approved on Sept. 29. The resolution orders the aforementioned committee to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Potable water service is not a luxury; it is a fundamental need that directly impacts the health and well-being of our communities. The Cerro Márquez Tank is a critical piece of water infrastructure for more than 26,000 families who rely on it and have suffered constant interruptions and low water pressure for years,” González López stated. “This inspection and the subsequent investigation not only seek to understand the causes of these problems but also to ensure that the multimillion-dollar investment in this infrastructure is used appropriately to provide our people with reliable, quality service.”

SR 273 underscores the senator’s concerns about the ongoing complaints from citizens and the lack of timely information from PRASA. Last year, the agency announced a $12.3 million rehabilitation project funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. The project, which includes pump and pipe replacements, the installation of an emergency generator, and improvements to perimeter lighting and security, is estimated to be completed by the third quarter of 2026.

The purpose of the investigation is to identify the current status of the project, the funding schedule, the work timeline with completion dates for each phase, and the methods of communication with customers regarding service interruptions stemming from the project.

“Residents who rely on water from the Two Million Tank have suffered service interruptions for years and need clear information regarding the work being done and the projected completion dates,” the senator noted. “The lack of information from the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority creates despair, uncertainty, and anxiety among residents who wonder why they are still without water, despite paying their bills every month.”

The affected communities in Arecibo and Hatillo whose water is supplied by the Two Million Tank include Hato Arriba, Hato Abajo, Hato Viejo, Dominguito, El Tres, Green, Ocean View, Villa Los Santos, University Gardens, Víctor Rojas, Vista Azul, Parcelas Navas, Las Canelas, Radioville, Ciudad Atlantis, Los Mora, Jardines, Las Cumbres, Barraca, Villa Serena Urbanization, Palma Gorda, Buena Vista, Pajuil, Carrizales, Campo Alegre, Cuchí 1 and 2, Corcovada, Casco Urbano, Las Piñas and Costa Norte.

The committee has summoned the PRASA chief to appear with all relevant information and documentation related to the planned or ongoing projects at the facility.