Roughly 4,000 people could be affected by water shortages in Naranjito as a rationing plan begins in sectors served by the Cedro system, Mayor Orlando Ortiz Chevres confirmed Friday. In a radio interview, he said the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (AAA) estimates the system has 2,139 customers. Rationing will run through two zones that alternate service every 48 hours, starting at 3:00 a.m.; today's interruption corresponds to zone C. The mayor said the situation stems from low levels in the small reservoirs that feed the Cedro plant.
Although formal rationing starts now, he acknowledged that communities such as Santa Teresita, Los Ramos and other sectors had been experiencing service problems for several days. A leak in Guillares and a broken pipe in Los López, which he told WKAQ have already been identified and addressed, added to the problem. He warned that road PR-152, home to significant restaurant and business activity, is among the affected areas.
The municipality will also begin distributing water by tanker trucks and asked residents to immediately report any leaks to avoid additional losses and pressure problems, particularly in higher-elevation communities. The plan will continue until enough rain falls to recover reservoir levels. Ortiz Chevres clarified that rationing does not apply to communities served by other systems, including Barrio Nuevo, Guadiana, Achiote, the town center and parts of Lomas.