Worsening drought forces Puerto Rico to extend water rationing

Puerto Rico has extended water rationing measures with around 400,000 residents to receive water only every fourth day from next week.

The measure has been implemented as the government tries to cope with an ongoing drought which has affected almost 2.5 million people in the Caribbean island, reports Associated Press.

According to Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (PRASA), the 48-hour cuts in water service will now affect an additional 180,000 customers since the territory’s water reservoirs are being depleted amidst worsening drought conditions.

Prasa executive director Alberto Lazaro was quoted by the news agency as saying: "We have to keep the water that’s available under control."

While previous rationing rules implemented in the territory allowed water deliveries for one day out of three, starting from next week the new measures will be implemented.

The island is suffering from an economic crisis due to the ongoing drought, which has been prompting businesses to shut down temporarily, public schools to cancel breakfast service and residents to find innovative ways to clean up amidst scorching temperatures.

National Drought Mitigation Center estimates indicate almost 13% of the island to be suffering from extreme drought conditions with another 38% being under severe one.

The new rationing rules will be implemented if Puerto Rico does not receive significant rainfall this week.

Other Caribbean islands, including the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and St. Lucia, are also suffering from drought conditions.

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Image: Ongoing drought has affected nearly 2.5 million people in Puerto Rico. Photo: courtesy of Tomas Castelazo / Wikipedia.