Date of Award
1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School
College of Science and Mathematics
Department/Program
Earth and Environmental Studies
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Yang Deng
Committee Member
Huan Feng
Committee Member
Jinshan Gao
Committee Member
Walter F. Silva Araya
Abstract
Approximately 3% of Puerto Rico’s residents, over 100,000 people, do not obtain their water from large, centralized water supply from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA). These small community water systems (CWS), also known as non-PRASA systems, face substantial challenges in delivering safe and reliable drinking water amid climate change and natural disasters. Technical, financial, and managerial limitations contribute to the inefficiencies and unreliability of their water supply systems in terms of both quantity and quality. The issues are exacerbated following natural disasters. After Hurricanes Maria in 2017 and Fiona in 2022, many non-PRASA communities lost access to safe drinking water supply for extended periods. Therefore, there is an urgent research need for identifying and addressing these challenges for adaptive water supply in Puerto Rico’s non-PRASA communities. The primary objective of this dissertation was to advance our understanding of the mechanisms governing the resilient behaviors of small non-PRASA water supply systems in Puerto Rico and explore the pathways to enhance their resilience, primarily from an engineering perspective. The central hypotheses include: 1) wide-ranging stressors and shocks, including climate change, natural disasters, and small oceanic islands’ unique limitations (e.g., geographic isolation and limited resources), collectively challenge the adaptation of Puerto Rico’s non-PRASA water supply systems; and 2) water source diversification, decentralization, modularity of household or community-scale stormwater harvesting can enhance the resilience of water supply in Puerto Rico during daily operation and emergencies. In this dissertation, various research approaches, including literature review, surveys, site visits, workshops, and data analyses, were carried out to implement three tasks to achieve the dissertation objective sequentially. Task 1 evaluated the operational status of surveyed non-PRASA water systems, assessed their responses to Hurricane Maria and Fiona, and identified system vulnerabilities in both daily operations and emergencies. The study identified key causes of water outages and highlighted the communities’ potential willingness for stormwater harvesting to strengthen water supply resilience. Differences between the impacts of the two hurricanes were analyzed, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions for future disaster preparedness. In Task 2, field-based research was conducted in ten non-PRASA water supply systems through non-participatory observations and semi-structured interviews to identify technical, financial, and managerial challenges. Specifically, the technical challenges primarily arise from aging infrastructure, outdated treatment technologies, and a lack of technical expertise. Upgrading power supply systems, securing storage tanks, and seeking external technical support can ensure consistent water quality and quantity during water supply service. Moreover, financial constraints pose another challenge. Monthly water service charges are typically insufficient to cover daily and emergency operational expenses in most non-PRASA communities. Consequently, these systems depend heavily on external financial support, causing financial vulnerabilities and administrative complexities. Finally, strong community involvement and effective management are vital. Communities that promote inclusive participation, clear management practices, and capacity-building strategies tend to have more resilient and efficient water systems. Addressing workforce challenges and providing adequate volunteer support is critical for maintaining and improving water services, and developing tailored strategies for each community, considering its unique dynamics and resources, can lead to more sustainable and efficient water system management. In Task 3, stormwater-to-drinking water (STDW) was examined as a potential solution for enhancing the adaptation of water supply in non-PRASA communities. STDW can promote resilient water supply due to water source diversification, decentralization, and modular design. Results show that rainwater harvesting is most effective in regions with high precipitation, such as the central mountains and eastern coasts, where it can meet household needs year-round and fully during hurricane season. In drier regions such as the southern coast and San Juan, its potential is limited during dry periods but remains valuable as a supplemental water source. Furthermore, during peak hurricane season, rainwater harvesting can play a vital role as an emergency water source, securing public health and safety in the aftermath of natural disasters. Additionally, a 1,500-liter tank is estimated to provide a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for households in Puerto Rico, ensuring reliable water access during emergencies and conserving freshwater resources. This dissertation research has a profound impact on adaptation of water supply in Puerto Rico’s non-PRASA communities. This study directly benefits water management in the small water systems by identifying root causes that compromise system vulnerabilities. The knowledge forms a foundation to develop actionable strategies and prepare these systems for future extreme events. This dissertation also delivers valuable environmental benefits, with an emphasis on the preservation of natural resources. The adoption of STDW reduces reliance on surface water and groundwater, thus conserving natural freshwater resources while mitigating stormwater runoff-induced pollution. Meanwhile, distributed STDW water supply avoids distant water transport and reduces associated energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, resilient water systems support local economic development, lower costs associated with unreliable water supply, and protect public health through access to safe drinking water.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Yang, Lisitai, "Identifying and Addressing Challenges of Small Community Water Systems (CWS) in Puerto Rico" (2025). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1507.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1507
