Ni toh Kakuhu - Water is Life: Update on Borikén's Water Crisis

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, Borikén (Puerto Rico). The region's wetlands, groundwater, coastal environments and dry-forest ecosystems form interconnected systems whose long-term health must be considered when assessing water extraction and major development. Photo: J. Saliva / U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

On August 22, the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) raised concerns about Borikén's growing water crisis and called for climate justice, responsible water management, and transparent assessment of development decisions affecting our island's fragile water systems.

Recent rainfall has brought welcome relief to Carraízo and allowed water rationing to be paused. But the drought is not over. More than 75% of Borikén (Puerto Rico) remains in drought, approximately 41% remains under extreme drought, La Plata continues under operational adjustments, and serious concerns remain regarding groundwater conditions.

These realities underscore UCTP's call for transparent, cumulative assessment of groundwater extraction, competing water demands, development decisions, and ecological limits.

This is especially relevant as the Puerto Rico Senate examines the hydrological viability of Proyecto Esencia in Cabo Rojo, including its projected water demand and potential impacts on groundwater and neighboring communities. Government information presented during this process indicates projected water demand of approximately 1.25 million gallons per day, while proposed groundwater extraction could reach approximately 1.5 million gallons per day.

In light of these realities, UCTP is asking a larger and necessary question:

How much water can Borikén ecosystems sustainably provide when community needs, agriculture, existing and proposed extraction, major developments, aquifer recharge, drought, and a changing climate are considered together?

Short-term rainfall can bring relief. It does not eliminate the need for long-term planning.

Climate justice requires decisions based not only on what can be extracted today, but on what our lands and waters can sustain tomorrow.

Ni toh Kakuhu -Water is life. Protecting it is a responsibility to future generations.

— United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP)

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