FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — The Puerto Rico National Guard has distributed more than 505,000 gallons of water as of July 31 in support of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority under Mission Clear Source, an ongoing mission assisting communities across the island.
The milestone comes as Puerto Rico faces worsening drought conditions and water-rationing measures in affected municipalities. The governor has announced plans to issue an executive order declaring a drought-related state of emergency across Puerto Rico as officials coordinate additional response measures.
Puerto Rico Guardsmen assigned to the 105th, 162nd and 714th Quartermaster companies, all water purification and distribution units, are conducting the deliveries. They are supported by the 783rd Support Maintenance Company and the 840th Classification and Inspection Company, which keep tankers, pumps and purification equipment in service. All five units are assigned to the 191st Regional Support Group, Puerto Rico Army National Guard.
Mission Clear Source, conducted under Executive Order 2026-032, began June 7 and includes 30 personnel operating six load handling system trucks paired with six Hippo water tank rack systems.
The effort has reached communities in Bayamón, Guaynabo, San Juan, Juncos, Caguas, Carolina, Canóvanas, Loíza and Trujillo Alto, based on priorities set by the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority.
“Every gallon we deliver represents a family waiting — an older resident, a household with children, a neighbor who needs water today,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Carlos J. Rivera Román, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard. “More than a number, this is a commitment to our people. The Aqueduct and Sewer Authority is leading this effort and our Citizen-Soldiers and State Guardsmen are there to support them. We understand how difficult this moment is for many families, and we remain ready to expand this mission whenever the governor determines it is needed.”
The Aqueduct and Sewer Authority leads distribution planning and identifies which communities and service points require support each day. The Guard provides the trucks, Hippo systems, drivers and maintenance crews for the assigned routes, working alongside municipal governments and participating agencies.
The Puerto Rico National Guard will continue supporting the effort based on requirements identified by the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority and the direction of Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, while maintaining readiness to respond to other emergencies during the Atlantic hurricane season.
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