Day Three: Arecibo, Puerto Rico: Beauty and Water Issues
Beauty of Arecibo
Arecibo, located in the northern coast of Puerto Rico, is renowned for its natural beauty. From its picturesque coastline to the lush greenery of its landscapes, Arecibo offers a diverse range of scenic wonders. The Arecibo Observatory, one of the world's largest radio telescopes, adds to the area's allure, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Water Quality Challenges
Despite its natural beauty, Arecibo faces significant challenges related to water quality and access to clean, potable water. According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) standards and measurements, the region has been found to have alarming levels of contamination in its water sources.
Water Contamination Levels
The following are the concerning levels of contamination found in Arecibo, Puerto Rico:
Chlorine: 117.5 times the recommended level
Chloroform: 145 times the recommended level
Copper: 7.7 times the recommended level
Haloacetic Acids HAA5: 390 times the recommended level
Haloacetic Acids HAA9: 650 times the recommended level
Lead: 366.7 times the recommended level
Total Trihalomethanes TTHMs: 386.7 times the recommended level
These elevated levels of contamination pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of the community, highlighting the urgent need for remedial action and improved water management practices in the region.
It's crucial for authorities and stakeholders to address these water quality issues to safeguard the health of the residents and preserve the natural beauty of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.