José M. Umpierre
The magnitude of the fault has substantial sectors of the population without water for months.
Journalistic reports are usually composed of events, data and the way in which the event is reflected or affects people. In that case, the event is the water situation in Puerto Rico, since I am part of the affected human contingent, the affective content is yours truly.
The Data
The water situation in Puerto Rico has recently been aggravated by the coincidence of conditions for a perfect storm. It is the product of a public policy that was anxious to build with little, if any, attention to maintain. The serious thing is that it is not only water, it is electricity; the two vital arteries of the infrastructure that moves the country. That it is decomposing now is serious. The magnitude of the fault has substantial sectors of the population without water for months. because it coincides with a period of serious drought, environmental phenomena (weather patterns affected by El Niño and hurricane season) and a government that refuses to take a stand or take action.
In June, a main pipeline broke that affected the service to thousands of users of the Metropolitan Area. The pipeline was fixed (supposedly) but the problems persisted. At a time when the forecast is extreme drought, the worst in the last century. The Governor declared a national state of emergency and a rationing plan. The situation has led to the mobilization of the National Guard, which has distributed 600 gallons of water in San Juan.
The Affected
I live in one of the affected sectors in San Juan. The irregularity of the water service goes for three months in which it fluctuates by a thread, sometimes a jet of expected pressure, sometimes nothing. I’ve been a week of nothing. Fortunately, I have two cisterns that replenish in case of emergency. Subject to draining them with a hand pump and storing buckets for daily use. It feels like going to get water from the river; it has the challenges of the weight of the containers and the balance of carrying them to their most useful place. You learn to avoid dishes that need scrubbing, eat with your fingers and bathe in the open air minimizing the use of water in soaping and rinsing.
The serious thing is that it is not only water, it is electricity; the two vital arteries of the infrastructure that moves the country.
Is this a hassle? Yes. There is no doubt that it breaks with the habits and comfort of having water for hygiene, the kitchen and the garden. I am lucky that, despite my advanced age, they are things I can manage with autonomy. My solidarity is with those who have few resources and have mobility issues, those who need assistance. My best wishes to them that they can find an empathetic community.
The response of those affected? A torrent. How to avoid it. Emotions ranging from a deep indignation for ineptitude and inefficiency. The disagreement has been felt in protests and all kinds of expressions in the media. The great challenge is: how I face the challenge? How I face the lack of an essential good? In addition to the inevitable frustration, which acceptance requires, I find an echo in the words of Clint Eastwood: “adapt and improvise.” There are active things to do, in addition to regret and protest; creativity has no limits to be part of the solution, instead of the problem.
Although here we know of evils that last more than a hundred years, we cannot give up the idea that life can be better. I think it’s a good time to get a hand on the superlatives, support and collaborate to the best possible extent. Recognize vulnerability and thank you for your help. As we continue breathing, deeply and frequently, we cannot resist dong so with laughter. Make fun of adversity, because we know that there are respites, that life can be beautiful, at least capable of giving sublime moments.
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Copyright by José M. Umpierre.