US appeals court sides with Morovis in suit over deficient water service

Morovis Mayor Carmen Maldonado González

By THE STAR STAFF

The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston has ruled in favor of the municipality of Morovis, which sought damages for its deficient water service.

The latest ruling reverses the dismissal of a lawsuit against the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) concerning inadequate drinking water service that has impacted thousands of residents for years, Morovis Mayor Carmen Maldonado González announced Monday.

The appellate court’s decision allows the case to proceed in federal court, concluding that the District Court erred in dismissing the municipality’s claim under the right to substantive due process.

“Perseverance always yields results,” Maldonado González said in response to the ruling. “This is a triumph that reflects years of work, complaints, and both administrative and legal efforts that we undertook with determination and faith. Justice has ruled in our favor, reaffirming our commitment to defend the rights of our people.”

The north-central mountain municipality filed the lawsuit in June 2022 following multiple claims regarding prolonged service interruptions. After the district court dismissed the case, it was appealed in October 2023.

Maldonado González emphasized that despite the ongoing legal proceedings, her administration continues to communicate with PRASA management to advance infrastructure projects, including pipeline replacement, filtration plant improvements, and the future connection to the Superaqueduct.

“We appreciate the willingness to engage in dialogue and the commitment displayed by the Authority,” the mayor stated. “This judicial achievement is not about confrontation but about achieving results. Our goal is to ensure that residents receive the quality service they deserve.”

Since 2017, the municipality has invested over $1 million in acquiring water trucks, maintaining equipment, and providing bottled water to address the service deficiencies.

Maldonado González said the court’s decision “sends a strong message about the necessity of providing excellent service to all PRASA subscribers in Puerto Rico.”