San Juan.- Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González signed two executive orders this Friday to declare a state of emergency for water usage and to activate the National Guard, as the island records severe drought in nearly 25% of its territory and moderate drought in 36%.
The situation of the main reservoirs due to the drought has led to the establishment of measures for the conservation and management of water resources and the adoption of a comprehensive action plan, among others.
The first order stipulates that the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) and the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) will give priority to the regions that present the most critical water conditions.
As part of such efforts, government agencies must identify and manage the availability of state and federal funds that can be used to address the emergency and implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effects.
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Under this order, priority will be given to the use of drinking water for citizen consumption and the provision of essential services.
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In addition, any Government agency is authorized to carry out the necessary procedures for the acquisition, leasing, installation, distribution, and utilization of cisterns, tanks, reservoirs, and any other equipment intended for the storage, distribution, or supply of potable or non-potable water.
The measure also provides for the possibility of issuing an administrative price freeze order regarding essential products, materials, equipment, supplies, and services necessary to address the emergency.
There will be weekly meetings, or as frequently as circumstances require, to evaluate the evolution of precipitation levels and reservoir levels, measure the effectiveness of the actions taken, and coordinate any additional measures that may be necessary.
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The second order signed by the governor activates the National Guard to provide assistance to the Government in the hauling, distribution, and purification of water to guarantee access to water.
24.8% of Puerto Rico’s territory is experiencing severe drought and 36% moderate drought, as reported yesterday by the United States Drought Monitor.
The term severe drought describes a prolonged shortage of rain that causes damage to crops, very low levels in rivers and reservoirs, and possible water rationing for communities.
Most of Puerto Rico’s main reservoirs remain within ‘safety’ or ‘observation’ levels, according to the latest report from the AAA.
The drought is occurring in the midst of the El Niño climate phenomenon, associated with an increase in temperatures, which is expected to intensify in the August-October period, which will contribute to above-average temperatures worldwide and changes in precipitation patterns, as warned this Friday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
