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Puerto Rico Launches 48-Hour Water Rationing for 180,000 Amid Drought

8/7/2026

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Puerto Rico Rations

Puerto Rico began a rotating 48-hour water-rationing program on Friday, August 6, affecting over 180,000 customers in San Juan and six neighboring municipalities.
Governor Jenniffer González said crisis is beyond government control, while Mayor Miguel Romero’s lawsuit addresses chronic shortages unrelated to the drought.
Officials said hospitals have emergency water manuals and trucks will prioritize them during rationing.
Carraízo reservoir serving the seven municipalities fell to critically low levels, triggering alternating shutoffs.

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Governor González Rations

Puerto Rico started a rotating 48-hour water-rationing program on Friday, August 6, affecting more than 180,000 customers in San Juan and six municipalities.
The cuts expose decades of underinvestment and fragile water infrastructure that leave elderly and bedridden residents without reliable access.
Governor Jenniffer González said she cannot predict the rationing’s duration, blaming extreme heat and drought.
Luis Gonzalez Delgado said water trucks will deliver potable water, prioritizing hospitals and seniors’ homes.

History

Historical Context

In September 2017 Hurricane Maria shattered Puerto Rico’s water system, breaking about 70 % of pipelines and costing the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority $3.5 billion to fix. Infrastructure and delayed FEMA response after Irma left the network unrepaired. On August 6 2024, 48-hour rationing for over 180,000 San Juan customers revived those shortages, prompting FEMA and Army Corps to seek a $10 billion modernization plan.

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Puerto Rico Rations

Puerto Rico began a rotating 48-hour water-rationing program on Friday, August 6, affecting over 180,000 customers in San Juan and six neighboring municipalities.
Governor Jenniffer González said crisis is beyond government control, while Mayor Miguel Romero’s lawsuit addresses chronic shortages unrelated to the drought.
Officials said hospitals have emergency water manuals and trucks will prioritize them during rationing.
Carraízo reservoir serving the seven municipalities fell to critically low levels, triggering alternating shutoffs.

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