Water
Raindrops Keep Falling
Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and completely destroyed the islands electrical system. Without power the water and wastewater treatment plants were completely shut down. Communities were without running water anywhere from two weeks to ten months. Outside of cities, service has been slower to be reconnect.
Prepare for up to a year without water
decide how little water you can use
determine your average monthly rainfall
multiply by .623 for your gallons per inch per sq ft
(4 x .623 equals about 2.5 for Vieques)
divide water use by this number for the sq ft needed
(1000 / 2.5 = 400)
have the capacity to store at least two months use
Water Budget
15 gallons
2.5 gallon showers x average 6 guests
0 gallons
for toilets since they compost
3 gallons
daily clothes washing budget (done weekly)
5 gallons
dishes and household chores
up to 7 gallons
amount left for drinking and cooking
Independence for Puerto Rico
It is estimated that 76,000 Puerto Ricans rely on drinking water sources from pumps, wells and surface water that are not supplied by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), with no competition for quality of service or expenses causing a steady disinvestment in the pipes, pumping stations and treatment plants.