The United States Army
08/31/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/31/2026 11:11
Puerto Rico Guard distributes one million gallons of water in drought response
Spc. Jose Marfisi and Spc. Esteven Llopiz, assigned to the 714th Quartermaster Water Purification Company, secure a raw water intake pump during a Water Purification Rodeo at Lago Cerrillos, Ponce, Puerto Rico, July 24, 2026.
The Soldiers positioned and secured the intake pump to ensure a continuous flow of raw water from the reservoir into the water purification system. The task is a critical step in establishing expeditionary water purification operations that provide safe, potable water in support of military operations and domestic emergency response missions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Maldonado) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Soldiers positioned and secured the intake pump to ensure a continuous flow of raw water from the reservoir into the water purification system. The task is a critical step in establishing expeditionary water purification operations that provide safe, potable water in support of military operations and domestic emergency response missions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Maldonado) VIEW ORIGINAL
CANÓVANAS, Puerto Rico - The Puerto Rico National Guard has distributed more than 1 million gallons of water and purified more than 298,000 gallons of water through its Water Sentinels mission drought response, which focuses on the transport, purification and distribution of drinking water to affected communities.
The operation complies with Executive Order OE-2026-036, issued by Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer A. González Colón, who ordered the activation of the National Guard to assist the government of Puerto Rico in the emergency response.
The Puerto Rico National Guard has distributed 1.015 million gallons of water and purified 298,151 gallons of water between Canovanas and San Juan. These results reflect the National Guard's capability to mobilize Soldiers, equipment and specialized resources in a sustained manner, in coordination with state agencies and municipalities, to address one of the most essential needs of the affected communities: access to safe drinking water.
Work gloves rest on a potable-water tanker at a Puerto Rico Army National Guard water purification site in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, Aug. 20, 2026. Soldiers assigned to the site worked extended shifts operating and maintaining equipment used to produce potable water during the drought response. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Agustín Montañez) VIEW ORIGINAL U.S. Army Spc. Jesús D. Ramos, a water treatment specialist assigned to the 105th Quartermaster Water Purification and Distribution Company, 191st Regional Support Group, Puerto Rico Army National Guard, conducts water-quality testing at a water purification site in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, Aug. 20, 2026. Soldiers monitored water throughout the purification process and conducted hourly tests to ensure required water-quality parameters were maintained before distribution. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Agustin Montanez) VIEW ORIGINAL
"The Puerto Rico National Guard is fulfilling its mission to serve our people and respond where it is most needed. To date, our Soldiers have distributed 1,015,000 gallons of water and purified 298,151 gallons as part of the response to this emergency. These figures represent much more than an operational capability; they represent our commitment to the families and communities facing the effects of the drought," said Brig. Gen. Carlos J. Rivera Román, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard.
"This mission is part of the Government of Puerto Rico's effort and responds to the Executive Order from Governor Jenniffer A. González Colón, which enabled the mobilization of our capabilities to support water transport, distribution and purification. Our Soldiers will continue to work alongside agencies and municipalities to bring this essential resource wherever it is needed. The Puerto Rico National Guard is prepared to respond, committed to serve and always present for our people," Rivera Román said.
The Water Sentinels mission integrates the operational and logistical capabilities of the Puerto Rico National Guard, including military personnel, vehicles and specialized water purification and distribution systems. The National Guard will continue to adjust its resources to meet the needs of the emergency and will maintain coordination with agencies and municipal governments to support the continuity of essential services.
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