Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary! This week, learn about the latest initiatives and join the workshops, discussions, field experiences, and tours scheduled to benefit the waters connected to the San Juan Bay estuary.
The deadline for submitting comments on actions to improve infrastructure in the San Juan metropolitan area is approaching.
Remember that you have until Friday, August 15, 2025 to share your comments through the form.
Action Plan #1: Infrastructure of the Estuary Plan review proposes 52 actions to improve and maintain the outdated and dilapidated gray and green infrastructure that negatively impacts water quality.
The opinions and input of all citizens, the scientific and technical community, and other interested parties will help strengthen these proposed actions for sanitary water infrastructure, stormwater, drainage and water exchange, to mitigate erosion and sediment transport, port and vessel infrastructure, transport and mobility, collaborative water quality monitoring, and the analysis of impacts from areas outside the current study area.
By actively participating in the Plan review you help to:
💧 Improve water quality
🌳 Increase the amount of green areas
🌊 Prevent flooding
🪸 Restore ecosystems
We greatly appreciate your support in sharing this information with your colleagues and communities.
Define with us the future of the waters of the San Juan metropolitan region. The Estuary Plan belongs to everyone, because we live with the Estuary.
New urban route in Old San Juan
Thanks to the overwhelming interest in the recently announced urban tour, " Discovering the Connections Between the City's Water and the Estuary," we've added a new tour for Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am in Old San Juan. Don't miss it!
Register today at estuary.org/events . This tour counts toward Green Touch hours or community service.
Pop-up Recycling in Pine Nuts
The Estuary will be present at the next LimPiaR Recycling Pop-up, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Miguel Fuentes Pinet Park in Loíza.
Visit our information table, where you will learn how to properly handle used vegetable oil and the options you have to prevent it from affecting water infrastructure and natural resources.
Don't forget to bring your rinsed recyclables. We will accept #1, #2, and #5 plastics, aluminum and tin cans, and corrugated cardboard (not glossy). We thank LimPiaR for the invitation and follow-up on this event. This collaboration is part of the community campaign: Leave a Clean Footprint in Piñones.
Assessment of microplastics in the Torrecilla Lagoon
On Saturday, July 26, the most recent field experience of the Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module of the Estuary Scientific Citizens Certification was carried out.
As part of this experience, a group of volunteers assisted in the evaluation and classification of microplastic samples taken from the Blasina Canal and Torrecilla Lagoon. Thanks to Pedro Alvarado, Adrián González, and Alexia Torres for their support and environmental commitment.
Learn more about the Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module at estuary.org/ccc.
Sowing carried out in Piñones
On Sunday, July 27, the Estuary carried out a coastal vegetation planting in Piñones, as a field experience for the Coastal Resilience module of the Citizen Scientist Certification, together with the ASEZ-STAR group. We planted approximately 216 specimens of red mangrove, sea bean, and palm trees.
In addition to planting, the group cleaned the area and processed approximately 500 red mangrove propagules. Fifty-five volunteers participated, committed to dune restoration and coastal erosion protection. Thank you for making this day possible!
Citizen Scientist Certification
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. See more information at estuary.org/ccc . These activities count toward community service and Green Touch hours.
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Water Quality Monitoring Workshop: Physical-Chemical Parameters ; Tuesday, August 12, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Water Quality Monitoring Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, August 14, at 9:30 am at County Lagoon
Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Module
Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Workshop ; Thursday, August 14, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Coastal Resilience Module
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, August 9, at 8:00 am at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Seagrasses; Saturday, August 9, at 12:00 pm at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, August 16, at 8:00 am at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Seagrasses; Saturday, August 16, at 12:00 pm at County Lagoon
Prepare yourself this hurricane season
Prepare for this hurricane season. Download the Estuary Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide and follow its recommendations. Your community's strength and resilience begin at home.
Also visit the Estuary Virtual Community Center , where you'll find vital information, such as relevant emergency numbers and instructions for preparing emergency kits.
Don't panic! Get ready.
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Evaluation conducted on Thursday, August 7, 2025. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. All stations tested within the "Beach Action Value" water quality parameter for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
