Oja De Agua

## Overview Oja de Agua is a public drinking spring located in the municipality of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, along Calle Crisantemo. The name "Ojo de Agua" (sometimes locally spelled "Oja de Agua") translates to "Eye of Water" in Spanish — a traditional term used throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to describe a natural spring where water emerges from the earth. These "ojos de agua" have historically served as vital freshwater sources for local communities across Puerto Rico, particularly in areas where rivers and streams were not easily accessible. Vega Baja sits along Puerto Rico's northern coastal plain, an area underlain by limestone karst geology. This karst terrain — characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground rivers — is responsible for many of the island's natural springs. Groundwater filters through porous limestone over time, often emerging at the surface as clear, mineral-rich springs. Oja de Agua is one such emergence point, and visitors have historically used it as a source of drinking water. The spring is situated in a residential area near Calle Crisantemo, making it relatively accessible compared to more remote natural water sources on the island. While the water has been traditionally used for drinking by locals, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary over time due to environmental factors, and no current testing data is available for this listing. ## Directions 1. From the center of Vega Baja, head toward the residential area near Calle Crisantemo. 2. Navigate to **82 Calle Crisantemo, Vega Baja, 00693, Puerto Rico** — the spring is located at or very near this address. 3. GPS coordinates: **18.4496, -66.3998** — entering these into a navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze should bring you directly to the site. 4. The spring is in a neighborhood setting, so street parking may be limited. Be respectful of nearby residents when visiting. ## What to Expect Oja de Agua is a community spring in a residential neighborhood of Vega Baja. As a public drinking spring, it has been used by locals as a freshwater source, and the water has been reported to taste clean and fresh by those who frequent it. The spring's setting within the karst landscape of northern Puerto Rico means the water has likely been naturally filtered through limestone, which can impart a mild mineral character. Because the spring is located in a populated area rather than a remote wilderness setting, access is straightforward — no hiking or off-road driving is required. Visitors should bring their own containers if they wish to collect water. As with any natural spring, conditions can change with the seasons; heavy rains may temporarily affect water clarity or flow. The surrounding Vega Baja area offers additional attractions, including nearby beaches along the Atlantic coast and the Tortuguero Nature Reserve, one of Puerto Rico's most important freshwater lagoon ecosystems, located just a few miles to the north.