Resident Commissioner Announces $319,000 in EPA Grants for Water Quality Monitoring on Puerto Rico’s Beaches

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pablo José Hernández, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $319,000 in grant funds to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER). This funding will support the implementation of a beach monitoring and notification program aimed at ensuring water quality and public safety on the island’s recreational beaches.

“Puerto Rico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and they play an important role in our culture, history, and economy. This $390,000 EPA grant will support a monitoring and notification program to protect public health and ensure that our beaches continue to be clean and safe for the public,” said Hernández.

The program, managed by PRDNER, will involve regular collection and analysis of bacteriological water quality samples from designated recreational beaches across Puerto Rico. The agency will also issue timely public notifications regarding water conditions and submit all monitoring data to the EPA.

In addition to regular water quality updates, PRDNER will publish an annual performance report detailing the program’s impact. By providing real-time bacteriological information, the initiative will help reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses and empower the public to make informed decisions about beach visits.

This initiative benefits not only Puerto Rico’s residents but also the millions of tourists who visit the island each year. Accessible water quality data will support tourism, public health, and environmental conservation efforts.

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