Governor Hochul Announces Joint Emergency Water Relief Effort with Afya Foundation to Support Puerto Rico During Water Shortage Crisis

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a joint water relief effort with the Afya Foundation, a Westchester-based humanitarian relief organization, and corporate donors to supply Puerto Rico with 26 emergency drinking water pallets in the midst of an ongoing severe water shortage. The Governor is committed to providing direct relief to Puerto Ricans during this emergency, with rapid humanitarian response efforts as well as community-led emergency operations currently underway.

"New York shares an everlasting bond with Puerto Rico, one that's founded through a shared cultural identity, resilience and trust," Governor Hochul said. "In times of crisis, New Yorkers will always act - that's why we're delivering immediate aid today and coordinating with our state agencies and local partners to provide long-term assistance. Puerto Rico exemplifies strength and resilience, and I am committed to uplifting affected residents during this emergency."

The emergency pallets will be distributed in San Juan and surrounding municipalities following the combined effects of the island-wide drought emergency and Puerto Rico's aging water infrastructure affecting nearly 500,000 residents from receiving purified drinking water. The 26 pallets will contain 1,900 cases with 45,000 individual bottles of clean drinking water, totaling more than 5,900 gallons of emergency supply.

AFYA Foundation CEO Danielle Butin said, "When disaster strikes or a community faces an urgent crisis, New Yorkers don't stand by - we act. Puerto Rico is facing a severe water emergency, and AFYA is proud to lock arms with Governor Hochul, and our generous corporate partners, to deliver immediate relief. Sending these pallets of drinking water directly from New York to families in need is a testament to what we can accomplish when state government, non-profits and the private sector move swiftly together."

The Afya Foundation has been accepting donations at their warehouse in Yonkers, with the distribution made possible by corporate donors. The City of Yonkers' Office of Emergency Management and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano also partnered with Afya to donate nearly 100 cases of bottled water.

City of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, "Yonkers and Puerto Rico share a deep bond, and when families on the island need help, we respond. Thank you Governor Hochul for leading the charge and reminding Puerto Rico that New York stands with them, and thank you to the AFYA Foundation and our Office of Emergency Management for helping get this water where it is needed most."

The principal water supply system to Puerto Ricans living in the San Juan metropolitan area has been affected by mandatory rotating water shutoffs since August 7, 2026. An island-wide drought emergency was declared shortly after, activating the National Guard to haul, purify and distribute water. In addition to the island-wide drought emergency, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority's (PRASA) aging water infrastructure has resulted in 50 to 60 percent of its purified drinking water to leak before reaching consumers.

Supplying the emergency pallets was made possible in collaboration with the following partners: Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages of New York, The Sanders Firm, Eric Sanders, Dos Maria's Restaurant, Aisling Irish Community & Cultural Center, the Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Association, City of Yonkers Council Member John Rubbo and the Youth Sports Education (YSE) Foundation.

Senator José M. Serrano said, "Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right. During this humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico, it is so important that we support the communities in need. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, AFYA Foundation, Coca-Cola and Distritos for your commitment to helping provide critical resources to the people of Puerto Rico."

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, "I'm so proud to see New York State continue our leadership to support Puerto Rico in times of crisis. My home island survives through many natural disasters, but this infrastructure failure coupled with the undeniable influence of climate change means that there are people responsible for leaving so many Boricuans without water. Thank you Governor Hochul for bringing together a coalition to bring relief to Puerto Rico and to their worried families and loved ones in New York."

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "As a proud Puerto Rican and a representative of a community with deep ties to the island, I know how much Puerto Rico means to families here in Western New York and across our state. Access to clean drinking water is a basic human necessity. I am grateful to Governor Hochul, the Afya Foundation, Coca-Cola, and Distritos for stepping up to provide immediate relief to Puerto Ricans facing the combined challenges of drought and aging infrastructure. This effort reflects the enduring bond between New York and Puerto Rico, a relationship built on family, culture, and solidarity."

Assemblymember Emerita Torres said, "As an Assemblymember of Puerto Rican heritage, I know that Puerto Rico is home to family, culture, and a community that is deeply connected to New York. When nearly half a million Puerto Ricans are struggling to access clean drinking water, we have a responsibility to stand with them. This is more than an emergency response-it is an expression of the deep bond between New York and Puerto Rico. I am proud that New York is stepping up to provide immediate relief during this crisis and deliver clean drinking water to families across the island. We will continue to stand with our Puerto Rican siblings and make sure they know they are not alone."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "New York and Puerto Rico share a deep connection, and when our neighbors in Puerto Rico face a crisis, we have a responsibility to show up. Access to clean drinking water is a basic necessity, and I'm proud to see New York stepping up to provide immediate relief and stand in solidarity with Puerto Rican communities in their time of need."