Forest streams are considered high quality waters that constitute an exceptional resource. Generally, the water meets or exceeds Commonwealth water quality standards. Fecal coliform limits are being exceeded at heavily used water play sites, such as the Puente Roto Bridge, located where PR highway 988 crosses the Mameyes River. Water Demand and Supply Water flowing from the Forest is abundant, of high quality, and provides many benefits. El Yunque furnishes water for municipal and domestic uses, electrical power generation, and recreation.
Water provides fish and wildlife habitat, and supports a lush tropical forest.
Water leaves the Forest as surface water in streams and as subsurface groundwater. Almost all uses are of surface water. The demand for consumptive use of water from the Forest's rivers, both on the Forest and below the Forest, is substantial and increasing. This pressure can only intensify due to increasing development around the Forest. Landslides Landslides occur commonly, constantly reshaping the dynamic topography of the Forest.