Story perspectives

Puerto Rico starts 48-hour water rationing in San Juan

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Puerto Rico's local government began a 48-hour water-rationing program on Aug. 7, cutting off San Juan service.
The rationing affected over 180,000 households in San Juan and nearby areas.
Officials blame severe drought, low reservoirs, an aqueduct rupture, and aging infrastructure.
Hotel & Tourism Association President Clarisa Jiménez said hotels are conserving water while operating.
The U.S. government declared a drought disaster, and Connecticut’s trade commission will send engineers and aid.

History

Historical Context

In September 2017 Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico’s power grid and left the water system crippled, with Governor Ricardo Rosselló reporting 1.2 million residents without tap water—a 70 % increase over typical outages. The island’s aging infrastructure, already strained by PREPA debt and PROMESA cuts, has led to recurring shortages, prompting San Juan municipal government, aided by the Connecticut Trade Commission, to impose a 48-hour rationing plan affecting over 180,000 households.

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Story summary

Puerto Rico's local government began a 48-hour water-rationing program on Aug. 7, cutting off San Juan service.
The rationing affected over 180,000 households in San Juan and nearby areas.
Officials blame severe drought, low reservoirs, an aqueduct rupture, and aging infrastructure.
Hotel & Tourism Association President Clarisa Jiménez said hotels are conserving water while operating.
The U.S. government declared a drought disaster, and Connecticut’s trade commission will send engineers and aid.

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