Benefits of Solar Energy for Small Rural Water Systems in Puerto Rico
Citation:
Patterson, C., G. Ramirez, C. Maldonado, H. Minnigh, R. Sinha, AND C. Lopez-Maisonave. Benefits of Solar Energy for Small Rural Water Systems in Puerto Rico. AWWA ACE, Denver, CO, June 09 - 12, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
The high cost of electricity in Puerto Rico has a major impact on the transfer, treatment and distribution of drinking water. Small communities in rural Puerto Rico have reverted to unfiltered surface water systems due to the high cost of operating groundwater pumps, creating serious public health risks and non-compliance. Over 100 groundwater systems in rural Puerto Rico could use solar-powered pumps to extract and deliver groundwater. This project highlights the benefits of renewable solar energy for small communities with rural drinking water systems in Puerto Rico and other tropical locations.
Description:
EPA conducted a research demonstration project that looked at the efficacy of sustainable solar-powered water delivery and monitoring systems. A solar-powered water pump and water lines were installed to combine two remote water sources for treatment and distribution to one community. Operators and volunteers were trained in solar-powered water system operation and maintenance. The rural water system was impacted, but the solar panels were not damaged by Hurricane Maria. This presentation will describe the design, fabrication, operation and maintenance of the solar-powered pumping system, the benefits of solar energy in Puerto Rico and the impact of Hurricane Maria.