On June 10, 2026, the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) held a press conference to present a concrete short- and medium-term agenda to effectively address Puerto Rico’s water crisis. More than two months later, their proposal has been ignored by the ruling New Progressive Party (PNP) and the Popular Democratic Party (PPD).

What the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) Proposes:

The first step towards solving Puerto Rico’s water crisis must be to depoliticize its water company (known in Puerto Rico as “la AAA”). The problem is not that it is public. The problem is that it has been run for decades on the basis of partisan politics.

Puerto Rico needs a professional, efficient, and transparent AAA, with technical criteria for executive appointments and planning that transcends electoral cycles.

https://youtu.be/6DmisYHE0BY?si=eDw2_vI9M4nRU-SA

Over the past 19 years, Puerto Rico’s water company has been managed by the New Progressive Party (PNP) for 16 years and by the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) for 3 years. During this period, more than 50% of the drinking water produced in Puerto Rico has been lost each day due to breaks, leaks, and spills in the distribution system.

The PIP has proposed a comprehensive plan to reduce water losses from leaks and breaks to a maximum of 15% within five years. The plan includes creating permanent water reserves to protect the northern and southern aquifers, establishing a Hydrographic Basin Reserve System, promoting the reuse of treated water, implementing a National Reforestation Plan to enhance water capture, and introducing legislative measures to address intense heat waves.

It is important to note that the PIP has been raising these issues and proposing solutions for years.  This is not merely as a reaction to the current crisis, but a core part of the PIP’s Patria Nueva program.

Voting has consequences. Puerto Rico must choose whether to continue down the path of politicking, improvisation, and privatization promoted by the PNP and PPD, or to elect leaders who will protect essential resources like water and act in the best interests of the people.

Water cannot be held hostage by political or commercial interests. It is time to act with responsibility, planning, and foresight.