Puerto Rico is starting to ration water as a severe drought deepens across the island, according to ABC7NY. The measure took effect beginning today, marking a drastic step by authorities trying to stretch dwindling supplies.
According to the report, more than 180,000 customers are affected by the rationing. Those hit include residents in San Juan and parts of six other municipalities, spreading the impact well beyond the capital.
Under the plan, affected customers will have to go without water for 48 hours at a time on a rotating schedule. The rotation is designed to share the shortage across communities rather than cut off any single area indefinitely.
The governor said the drastic measures are needed because of how quickly conditions have deteriorated. Officials pointed to levels at a key reservoir that have been falling faster than expected as the drought tightens its grip.
For the more than 180,000 customers involved, the rotating cutoffs mean planning daily routines around long stretches without running water. The step underscores how serious the drought has become for the island as it waits for relief.