Puerto Rico Implements Water Rationing for Hundreds of Thousands as Drought Worsens
Puerto Rico has initiated severe water rationing measures affecting over 200,000 customers, equating to hundreds of thousands of residents, as the US territory grapples with an intense drought. The rationing schemes have been introduced across various municipalities, including sections of the capital, San Juan, and extend to areas such as Canóvanas, Juncos, and Fajardo.
The current drought is exacerbated by sustained periods of elevated temperatures and a long-standing issue of neglected water infrastructure. A significant portion of the island's water supply is lost due to leaks in an ageing pipe network, with official figures indicating losses as high as 60% in some distribution systems.
Residents in affected areas are experiencing water cuts for extended periods, ranging from 24 to 48 hours at a time, depending on their location. This disruption mandates careful conservation, forcing many to store water when it is available to meet basic needs.
The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) confirmed that the dry conditions have led to critically low levels in key reservoirs. The La Plata reservoir, a primary source for metropolitan San Juan, has seen its water level drop to 37.3 metres, significantly below its optimal operational capacity. Similarly, the Carraízo reservoir, another vital supply, is at 38.6 metres, compelling authorities to implement these restrictive measures to preserve dwindling reserves.
