Puerto Rico Begins 48-Hour Water Rationing Amid Drought

Puerto Rico has begun a 48‑hour water rationing period that will affect more than 180,000 households as the island’s reservoirs fall to critically low levels. The state water authority announced the measure on Monday, citing a severe drought that has drained storage capacity and threatens the reliability of the water supply for residents and businesses alike.

Under the rationing plan, households will receive a limited allotment of water each day, with usage restrictions on non‑essential activities such as lawn watering and car washing. The authority has urged residents to conserve water and has provided guidelines on how to reduce consumption. Officials said the decision is temporary, pending further assessment of reservoir levels and potential relief from rainfall.

The rationing is part of a broader response to the island’s prolonged dry spell, which has also prompted power conservation measures and increased monitoring of water infrastructure. Authorities will review the situation every 24 hours and will lift the restrictions once reservoir levels stabilize.