Puerto Rico rations water supplies due to intense drought

Puerto Rico is implementing water rationing measures in San Juan and other major cities due to a severe drought, with over 180,000 residents facing 48-hour water outages on a rotating basis starting Friday. Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez stated that the duration of these measures is unknown, as meteorologists predict dry conditions will persist until at least September. July marked the driest month on record for San Juan in over 120 years, and nearly 25% of the island is experiencing a severe drought. The worsening drought is attributed to ongoing extreme heat and a strengthening El Niño weather pattern.

Puerto Rico is implementing water rationing measures in San Juan and other major cities due to a severe drought, with over 180,000 customers facing 48-hour water outages on an alternating schedule starting Friday. July was the driest month on record for San Juan, and approximately 25% of the territory is experiencing severe drought, with another 36% under moderate drought. Governor Jenniffer González attributed the crisis to weather conditions, and experts predict dry conditions will persist until at least September. The rationing will affect multiple cities, and potable water will be distributed by trucks, prioritizing hospitals and residences for older people. This drought exacerbates pre-existing water shortages in some areas, leading to public frustration and calls for action from local officials.