Puerto Rico Imposes Water Rationing

Puerto Rico will begin water rationing this Friday as a worsening drought continues to affect the U.S. territory, with no immediate relief in sight.

More than 180,000 customers in San Juan and several other communities will have their water supply cut for up to 48 hours at a time under a rotating schedule.

July was the driest month ever recorded in San Juan in more than 120 years, while almost a quarter of Puerto Rico is now experiencing severe drought.

Officials say water trucks will be deployed to supply hospitals, elderly care facilities and other priority locations as the restrictions take effect.

The government has also acknowledged long-standing problems with the island’s water infrastructure, which have left some communities facing water shortages for months, even before the drought intensified.

Authorities say the water rationing will remain in place until conditions improve.