SMM2026 Update: Current Water Conditions in Puerto Rico

September 23, 2026

The SMM2026 Conference Organizing Committee continues to monitor conditions in Puerto Rico ahead of the 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, taking place October 19–23 in San Juan.

Recent rainfall has improved water-supply conditions across parts of Puerto Rico. Beneficial rains have improved conditions at the Carraízo Reservoir, which provides water to parts of the San Juan metropolitan area and serves the largest customer base on the island. As a result, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) has suspended the water-rationing schedule that had been in place for customers supplied by Carraízo.

Across the island, the majority of reservoirs remain at secure water levels, according to AAA. The Authority continues to assess reservoir inflows, water levels, and projected water availability, while monitoring conditions based on rainfall and reservoir levels.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released September 17 with conditions valid through September 15, also shows continued improvement in drought conditions in Puerto Rico following recent rainfall. However, drought conditions remain in parts of the island, and additional rainfall will be needed to further improve areas experiencing extreme drought.

For SMM2026 attendees, groups, meetings, and events continue to operate across Puerto Rico. Meeting planners and attendees with upcoming programs are encouraged to remain in contact with their host hotel, rental host, convention facility, venue, event organizer, and local operators for any property- or program-specific updates and to understand any continuity measures that may be in place.

At this time, the recent improvement in water-supply conditions is encouraging, and we will continue to monitor developments as we approach SMM2026. The conference is proceeding as planned.

For official water-service information, including any scheduled interruptions or changes in service, attendees should consult the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) through its official website and communication channels.

The SMM2026 Conference Organizing Committee will continue to monitor conditions and share relevant updates with attendees as needed.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to San Juan this October for SMM2026.

SMM2026 Conference Organizing Committee
Society for Marine Mammalogy