For too long, the people of Borikén, known today as Puerto Rico, have been suffering due to an evolving water crisis that has reached catastrophic levels. This is a personal plea, not just for those directly affected but for everyone who believes in the fundamental right to clean and accessible water.

Right now, over 500,000 Puerto Ricans are enduring rotating 48-hour water shutoffs in seven of the island's largest municipalities, including San Juan, Carolina, Juncos, Gurabo, Trujillo Alto, Canóvanas, and Loíza. Imagine families trying to live without consistent water for days on end  it is a situation that defies basic human rights and dignity. This crisis affects over 60% of the territory's residents, with more than 3 million people living under some form of drought designation.

The core of the problem lies in Puerto Rico’s deteriorating and outdated water infrastructure. Nearly 1.3 million households and businesses rely on an aging system that has failed to meet their needs for decades. It’s not hard to understand why this has created a public health emergency, demanding urgent intervention. Despite ongoing efforts, the scale of the issue requires immediate and comprehensive federal action beyond what local measures can achieve.

The plea today is for the New York State Legislature to leverage its influence and demand instant federal involvement to rectify this dire situation. The federal government has the capacity to allocate funds, resources, and expertise needed to modernize the infrastructure, ensuring consistent water supply and addressing the drought's effects.

This is not solely an infrastructure challenge but a profound societal issue, leading to significant health, economic, and social ramifications for millions. Both statistical data and heart-wrenching personal stories underline the severity families struggling with health issues due to inadequate water, children unable to attend school consistently due to water shortages, and impacts on businesses reliant on water for everyday operations.

The time for action is now. We cannot stand by and watch fellow citizens suffer from a crisis that is preventable with the right interventions. Join us in urging the New York State Legislature to act urgently and advocate for federal action. Your signature is not just a name on a page  it is a step towards justice for Puerto Rico's people. Stand with us to make a difference. Please sign this petition to demand immediate federal action on Puerto Rico’s water crisis.

Disclaimer: This initiative is a collective effort developed with and through Latinas Grow, in collaboration with a diverse collective of women across the Puerto Rican and broader indigenous diaspora. It reflects shared advocacy, lived experiences, and a unified commitment to advancing the well-being of our communities. Learn more about Latinas Grow at www.latinasgrow.com