Amid allegations of price hikes on bottled water and related products, Hiram Torres Montalvo, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO), urged consumers to report any price changes on water-related items. Complaints can be sent confidentially to confidencial@daco.pr.gov. Torres Montalvo recalled that due to Puerto Rico's drought emergency, Administrative Order 2026-006 was signed, freezing prices on essential goods and services tied to water use.
He said DACO has received reports that some businesses have raised prices on bottled water boxes and other products, calling this a violation of the Order, and noted inspectors are regularly visiting businesses to ensure compliance. He asked consumers who observe violations to take a photo and send details to the email so inspectors can visit the business promptly, stressing that submitted information is kept confidential and used only to investigate alleged violations. Items covered under the Order include cistern modification, repair and installation services (pumps, valves, sensors, fittings, pipes, pressurizers), water storage/transport containers and tanks, hauling services, and other necessary items.
Administrative fines for violations of the Order can reach up to $10,000 per infraction.