Drought leaves Puerto Rico counting water drops amid severe crisis

Puerto Rico is grappling with a severe water shortage, intensified by a drought that has led to the declaration of a state of emergency. Approximately 60% of the island was affected by the drought in late July, prompting the government to activate the National Guard. This situation has resulted in alternating 48-hour water rationing for over 500,000 residents across seven municipalities, including parts of San Juan.

The human impact is significant, particularly for the elderly population, a vulnerable group susceptible to prolonged water supply interruptions. Emergency services are prioritizing hospitals and long-term care facilities with water tanker trucks. Governor Jenniffer González Colón has declared a drought emergency as the Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (AAA) struggles to maintain the water system amidst both rainfall scarcity and infrastructure issues.

July marked a record low for rainfall in San Juan over 128 years, with only 0.54 inches recorded at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport. The drought's effects are also severe in the southern region, classified as extreme drought, impacting agriculture heavily. Recent rainfall has not alleviated the crisis, with most monitored reservoirs showing declining levels. The AAA plans to dredge the Carraízo reservoir to remove sediment and restore storage capacity, a visible symbol of the ongoing emergency.

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We have a drought emergency.