Water rationing begins in Puerto Rico amid drought crisis: "It's brutal"
Summary
Puerto Rico has started strict water rationing for over 180,000 homes and businesses because of a severe drought and old, damaged water pipes. Many people in San Juan and nearby towns have no running water for up to 48 hours at a time, with no clear end date for the rationing.Key Facts
- More than 180,000 accounts in San Juan and six nearby towns must take turns going without water for at least 48 hours.
- July was the driest month in over 120 years and the second hottest on record in San Juan.
- About 36% of Puerto Rico is in severe drought; 32% is in moderate drought.
- The drought worsens problems in Puerto Rico’s water system, which loses about 65% of its water due to leaks and old pipes.
- Officials warn water outages could last up to 72 hours at a time.
- Some residents have already faced water shutoffs on many days this year, with very low water pressure when available.
- Low-income residents spend extra money on bottled water, and elderly people depend on others to get water.
- Puerto Rico has had similar water rationing in 2015 and 2020.
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