The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for 26 municipalities in Puerto Rico, a move that provides access to emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers in the affected areas. This declaration comes as the U.S. territory grapples with intensifying dry conditions, with more than 33% of the island currently experiencing extreme drought and an additional 30% under severe drought.
July marked the driest month on record for San Juan in over 120 years and the second hottest for the capital city. Governor Jenniffer González had formally requested the declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasizing the needs of the island's farmers.
Persistent dry weather has forced many farmers to halt production since May. Those cultivating vegetables in soil and hydroponics are among the most impacted, as are fruit growers whose crops, including coffee, cacao, plantains, and bananas, have fallen prematurely due to lack of water. Livestock farmers are also affected, unable to provide adequate feed for their animals and struggling to sell young bulls at significantly reduced prices. Some farmers have resorted to other work to make ends meet.
In response to the persistent dry conditions, Governor González declared a state of emergency in late July. The National Guard was activated to assist with water transportation, distribution, and purification efforts. In early August, water rationing measures were implemented in certain neighborhoods of San Juan and six other cities, affecting over 180,000 customers who are experiencing water outages on a rotating schedule of up to 48 hours. Large trucks are distributing water, with priority given to hospitals and residences for the elderly.
Meteorologists attribute the ongoing drought to a natural warming cycle known as El Niño, which has also impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. government previously declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix earlier this month.
Beyond the drought, Puerto Rico is also facing water shortages attributed to aging infrastructure. Thousands of residents have experienced water supply issues and pressure changes for up to a year. These pre-existing water problems, unrelated to the current drought, prompted San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero to sue the island’s Water and Sewer Authority in late May. The governor has acknowledged decades of underinvestment and insufficient maintenance of the agency's infrastructure.
Puerto Rico has implemented water rationing measures in the past, including in 2020 and 2015, when a significant number of customers received water only every third day.