Drought in Puerto Rico forces water rationing

Residents of San Juan, Puerto Rico, are facing a daily struggle for water as a rotating rationing program leaves thousands of homes without running water for up to 48 hours at a time. The program was implemented after San Juan recorded its driest July in history, according to the U.S. National Weather Service.

The island is grappling with severe drought conditions, with nearly 68% of Puerto Rico facing water scarcity. Authorities attribute the restrictions to intense heat and the El Niño phenomenon, which is reducing the rainfall typically expected in late summer. The situation is particularly difficult for large households and those with pets, as washing clothes and bathing animals becomes a significant challenge.

"We haven't been able to do much laundry, we have four pets, which is also very difficult to bathe them. It's difficult and we are five people in a house, plus four pets, we are a lot," one resident shared, highlighting the daily hardships.

Commercial operations are also feeling the impact. Lisvette Fragoso, manager of a laundromat, reported consistent water pressure issues since November and unexpected supply interruptions. While water tanker trucks are being deployed to affected communities, they are insufficient to meet the daily demand.

Governor Jenniffer González has not provided a timeline for the end of the rationing. Meteorologists predict a less than average rainy season and above-normal temperatures persisting until October, offering little hope for immediate relief. "It's tough, it's tough. If it doesn't rain, we're in trouble," a resident lamented.

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Llevo dos semanas buscando agua. Dos semanas. No se puede lavar ropa. Las lavadoras no funcionan. Y el agua nunca llega.