Puerto Rico has initiated emergency water rationing measures as an intensifying drought exacerbates chronic water shortages across the U.S. territory, prompting Governor Jenniffer González to declare a state of emergency. Beginning Friday, thousands of residents in the island's northeastern communities, including parts of Canovanas and Rio Grande, will experience 48-hour water rationing periods.
Luis González, executive president of the Puerto Rico Water and Sewer Authority, stated that insufficient rainfall is the primary cause of the current situation, but noted that severe water shortages had already impacted densely populated areas months prior to the drought's onset. The authority has yet to identify the underlying cause for these earlier, pre-drought water issues.
These ongoing water supply problems have led to significant public outcry and governmental action. In late May, the mayor of San Juan filed a lawsuit against the Water and Sewer Authority. Governor González has acknowledged that the agency's infrastructure has suffered from decades of underinvestment and inadequate maintenance. In a separate incident last month, which was not linked to the current drought, nearly 40,000 customers were left without water, necessitating the activation of the National Guard.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 14% of Puerto Rico is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, with an additional 59% under moderate drought. This marks an increase from late June, when 18% of the island was affected by drought. An estimated 2.3 million of Puerto Rico's 3.2 million residents live in areas currently impacted by drought.
Past droughts have previously compelled Puerto Rico to enforce strict rationing protocols. In 2016, a significant number of utility customers, around 400,000, had their water supply limited to every third day.
The current water crisis has fueled public protests and increased demands for answers from legislators. Representative Domingo J. Torres criticized the Water and Sewer Authority's response, stating that the situation cannot be solely attributed to the drought. He characterized the agency's management as reactive and improvisational, lacking a clear plan to ensure access to potable water.
Torres has formally requested information regarding the water and sewer authority's strategies for confronting the drought and guaranteeing potable water access. Legislators also convened a public hearing this week to examine the financial implications of the water shortages on the island, which has a poverty rate approaching 40%.