Puerto Rico Faces Severe Water Crisis Due to Drought and Aging Infrastructure
Puerto Rico is currently grappling with a significant water crisis driven by a combination of severe drought, aging infrastructure, and a major aqueduct rupture. Residents in the capital, San Juan, and surrounding areas have faced mandatory water rationing for weeks, with many households forced to rely on buckets and cisterns for daily needs. The crisis is exacerbated by a lack of investment and maintenance in the island's water distribution system, which has led to significant water losses and a humanitarian crisis for the most vulnerable populations. Governor Jenniffer González-ColĂłn has declared a state of emergency, and the administration announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a drought disaster declaration for 26 municipalities. Agriculture Secretary Irving RodrĂguez-Torres urged farmers to document their losses and contact the Farm Service Agency for federal assistance. While tourism remains largely insulated from the crisis in large resorts, local residents face a daily struggle for clean water. Experts note that the rainfall deficit is expected to persist until at least January, with the island's water system remaining vulnerable to future interruptions.