Puerto Rico's worst drought in a decade forces water rationing

Puerto Rico is enduring its most severe drought in nearly a decade, with 17% of the territory under extreme drought and more than half a million people facing water rationing. Governor Jenniffer González declared a state of emergency on July 31 and activated the National Guard as the crisis deepened Source: El Mundo, Listín Diario.

The crisis

The drought, linked to El Niño, has left San Juan with its driest July on record since 1899, with only 0.54 inches of rain (9% of normal) Source: Euronews, Hoy. The Carraízo reservoir, which supplies seven municipalities, has fallen below 38 meters, triggering operational adjustments Source: El Día. The rationing plan affects about 183,000 subscribers in San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Carolina, Canóvanas, Loíza, Gurabo, and Juncos, with water cut off for 48 hours at a time Source: Infobae.

Impact on residents and farmers

Residents report that the scheduled outages often don't match reality. Tatiana González told El Mundo: "Where we are, it's 48 hours with water and 48 without," but added that they once went seven days without service Source: El Mundo. Farmers are struggling too. Luz Eneida Irizarry, a mango grower in Santa Isabel, says the drought has caused "a decrease in the quantity of fruit and in size" Source: El Caribe. Cattle rancher Carla Hernández notes that "the pasture doesn't grow," forcing her to haul water and supplement feed Source: Infobae.

What's next

Authorities warn the rationing could extend to other municipalities and that the drought may last until the end of the year unless a tropical storm arrives Source: El Caribe. The AAA has set up 35 water distribution points, but residents like Elena Cabrera are pessimistic: "I sense this will go on for a long time" Source: Hoy.