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Representatives press for investigation into chronic water interruptions; resolution 3-17 approved
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Summary
Lawmakers urged an investigation into recurring interruptions to potable water service in northern municipalities and referred the matter to the Region North committee; the House approved Resolution 3-17 after initial floor remarks by multiple representatives.
House directs investigation into causes of interrupted potable water service in northern districts
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved Resolution 3-17 on Aug. 28, 2025, directing the chamber's commission for the northern region to investigate interruptions in potable water service, identify causes and report findings to the House.
Representatives said intermittent service affects household hygiene, caregiving, agriculture and local businesses. In an initial floor turn, Representative Robles Rivera urged the House to authorize the Region North commission, chaired by Representative Jerry Nieves, to investigate causes and to detail identified infrastructure projects the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados) has planned to address the problem. Robles Rivera said the resolution aims to "investigate a fondo las causas de estas interrupciones y que ademE1s podamos conocer con claridad quE9 proyectos de mejoras la autoridad de acueductos y alcantarillados tiene identificadas".
Representative Alex Chino Roque Gracia described specific interruptions in Corozal and parts of Naranjito linked to reconstruction work at a local reservoir and reported communication gaps between the electric utility (LUMA) and the aqueduct authority. Roque Gracia said his office and local mayors have been unable to determine whether voltage issues originate in the utility or the aqueduct infrastructure and urged oversight if coordination problems prevent reliable service. He noted an ongoing reconstruction project on a dam (referred to in the transcript as "la represa del barrio Negro") with an investment cited as roughly $40 million.
The resolution directs the Region North commissions to exercise investigative powers including requests for documents, citations and ocular visits, and to submit interim and final reports to the House with findings, conclusions and recommendations. The resolution text sets a deadline for the final report to be submitted before the end of the seventh ordinary session of the legislative term specified in the resolution.
The floor record shows representatives framed the resolution as a fact-finding and oversight tool to address service reliability rather than an instrument of blame. The House approved the resolution as amended; the transcript records its passage during the calendar and later recognizes related initial floor remarks by the sponsors.
