The US Water Crisis Flying Under the Radar

The government has mandated a water rationing plan for 180,000 households in the San Juan metro area: two days on, two days off, but the water doesn't always come back when it's supposed to. Many residents are forced to pay water bills even when there's no water coming out of the faucet. People are spending part of their income on buying gallons of water to bathe, cook, and clean.

El Niño has caused very dry conditions and very little precipitation, which is necessary to fill the reservoirs. A huge pipeline called the superaqueduct had a huge rupture that led to the problem initially. Customers have been dealing with these issues since before the drought even started.

Businesses have to rely on a water cistern for making coffee, food, and running dishwashers.

Water trucks charge about three hundred dollars per delivery to fill the cisterns. Customers don't stay as long because there are no bathrooms available or they can't offer full service.

Businesses are creating trash by using disposable containers instead of reusable cups and utensils.

The governor declared an emergency and implemented a rationing program divided into two zones. The rationing schedule is not consistent with the hours, requiring residents to constantly be prepared. Puerto Rico has some of the highest costs per electricity and water in the U.S. despite unreliable service. The governor's office did not respond to questions about whether enough was done to strengthen water infrastructure.

The USDA has approved a drought disaster declaration for 26 municipalities on the island, but it is targeted at farmers.

The governor stated she wants to exhaust local resources first before requesting help from the federal government. The governor's office highlighted $21 million in FEMA funding for water and electricity infrastructure recovery.

The governor is selling Puerto Rico to investors while residents lack electricity and water.

Activists are protesting against the lack of water and projects like Proyecto Sensia that prioritize investors over locals.

Critics say the administration's priorities favor billionaires and investors over working Puerto Ricans.

It is not normal to live in conditions where hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans are without water or electricity. Having a corrupt government is not normal.

Bad Bunny said his song "El Apagón" came from frustration but also hope for Puerto Rico.

Poor management makes Puerto Ricans want to leave the island even though they love it.

There is a fear of "Puerto Rico sin puertorriqueños" as wealthy people move in while locals lack basic services.

It is heartbreaking to hear family and friends struggle with no power or water and not be able to help.

The water rationing program was put on hold after recent rain and an improvement in reservoir levels. Engineers will evaluate the need for rationing on a weekly basis.