Puerto Rico drought intensifies, impacting over half a million with water cuts

Puerto Rico is facing an intensifying drought, with extreme drought conditions now impacting 17% of the island, a sharp increase from 9.49% just a week prior. This deterioration means over half a million residents are subjected to programmed water service interruptions as reservoir levels remain critically low, especially affecting the San Juan metropolitan area.

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the 17% of the territory is under extreme drought conditions, almost double the 9.49% registered a week before, while the deterioration of the reservoirs keeps more than half a million people subjected to programmed interruptions of the water service.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that 53.93% of the territory now faces at least severe drought, up from 35.63% the previous week. Additionally, 72.18% is under moderate drought, and 78.27% is classified as abnormally dry, with only 21.73% of Puerto Rico remaining outside any dryness category. Recent rainfall associated with a tropical wave proved insufficient to overcome the accumulated deficit from the past two months.

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the situation is most delicate concentrated in the Carraízo reservoir, in Trujillo Alto, whose reduction forced the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) to implement a supply interruption program.

The most critical situation is centered around the Carraízo reservoir in Trujillo Alto. Although recent rains caused its level to rise by 26 centimeters to 37.79 meters, this increase is insufficient to eliminate operational adjustments. The Cidra reservoir saw a minimal gain of only two centimeters. Three other reservoirs under the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority's (AAA) observation experienced slight declines, indicating the limited impact of the recent rains.

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Carraízo has a strategic importance for Puerto Rico. ... it constitutes the only source of water for the Sergio Cuevas filtration plant and supplies an area of approximately 491,663 people in San Juan, Carolina, Canóvanas, Trujillo Alto, Gurabo, Loíza and Juncos.

Carraízo reservoir is strategically vital, supplying water to approximately 491,663 people across San Juan, Carolina, Canóvanas, Trujillo Alto, Gurabo, Loíza, and Juncos. It also supports key economic activities in tourism, finance, and manufacturing. The current emergency has led to 48-hour cycles of water supply and 48-hour interruptions for about 183,000 customers. Authorities caution that rationing could be extended if reserves continue to fall, while providing water via tanker trucks and urging conservation of non-essential water use.

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The current emergency has forced the establishment of 48-hour cycles with water and 48 hours without service for about 183,000 subscribers, equivalent to more than half a million people, in those seven municipalities.