Water restrictions imposed in Puerto Rico amid severe drought

Hundreds of thousands in Puerto Rico are without water as authorities impose drastic restrictions to combat a severe drought. Many households are now subject to alternating 48-hour water supply cuts. Residents of the capital, San Juan, have sharply criticized the measures, with officials not indicating when the restrictions will end. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of Puerto Rico is experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. This is compounded by long-standing infrastructure problems on the island. The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority stated that about 65% of produced water is lost or unbilled, largely due to leaks and aging pipes. Governor Jenniffer González acknowledged these issues but attributed the current reductions to weather conditions. July was the driest month on record for Puerto Rico, with 68% of the island currently facing drought. The government reported that seven regions, typically supplied by the Carraízo reservoir, are affected, with 180,000 properties included in the restrictions. González stated the decision was made "after careful assessment of the current state of the Carraízo reservoir in relation to weather forecasts." She added, "This situation is beyond our control. It is a consequence of the weather conditions we are facing, which experts warned about weeks ago."

In affected areas, people are lining up at water tank trucks to fill large containers. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the island's water supply, exacerbated by both climate challenges and decades of underinvestment in infrastructure. The ongoing water shortages are expected to impact daily life significantly, particularly for vulnerable populations.