Elizabeth Morgan | Water crisis in Puerto Rico

At the time of writing, there is actually welcomed rain in Kingston and St Andrew. It has continued to be very hot and dry in parts of Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and St Andrew. In a previous article looking at the water situation and changed weather patterns, it was not mentioned that Kingston and St Andrew, on the southern plains, are in rain shadow on this leeward side of the hills, and thus will get less rain in the summer from the northern trade winds. So, all negative weather elements have been combining this year to give reduced rainfall.

Nearly the entire Caribbean is facing extreme heat and drought conditions. With the impact of the Super El Niño and climate change, the medium-term weather forecast for the region indicates below-normal rainfall for September and possibly into October. Several countries/territories in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, have now introduced water restrictions. One that caught the attention of this column was Puerto Rico. On August 26, the US Department of Agriculture declared a drought disaster in large sections of this island.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, with a population of 3.2 million, is one of the four largest islands in the Greater Antilles. These are Cuba, Hispañola, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. Puerto Rico has been a colony of the USA since the end of the Spanish American War in 1898. It was a colony of Spain and was ceded to the USA. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917 and under their own constitution became an incorporated political territory (a commonwealth) of the USA in 1952. The official languages are Spanish and English.

Puerto Rico is not a state of the USA and thus cannot vote in US federal elections. The island has one representative in the US House of Representatives known as the Resident Commissioner. This commissioner cannot vote in full sittings of the House. Puerto Rico is not represented in the US Senate. The island is governed by an elected governor and legislative assembly. Puerto Ricans have voted in seven referenda on whether to become a US state. In the last two votes in 2020 and 2024, a majority supported statehood. The US Congress has to draft legislation and vote to admit new states. No action has been taken on Puerto Rico, which would become the 51st state of the USA. Interesting.

The gross domestic product (GDP) is about US$130 billion, and the per capita GDP is about US$40,000. Puerto Rico’s goods exports include pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and on the services side, it is mainly tourism (travel and leisure). Its main trading partner, of course, is the USA.

From this, one would think that Puerto Rico and its people are quite prosperous economically. Other figures, however, raise doubts. It is reported that possibly 40 per cent of Puerto Ricans live below the poverty line and nearly 50 per cent of children live in poverty. In addition, infrastructure crises in Puerto Rico raise further questions about the level of development on this island.

Water Crisis

Puerto Rico’s electric grid has failed several times over the last decade, most notably in 2017. The crisis of note in this column is that of the water supply in major parts of the island, especially in areas around the capital, San Juan. In 2025, the water crisis was due to a pipeline disruption. This year, the crisis is due to the drought which is impacting many countries in the Caribbean. As stated, the US Department of Agriculture has declared a drought disaster in Puerto Rico. July was the driest month in San Juan in 120 years. Dams are running dry; water is only being supplied to thousands of households/businesses every two days. Water trucks are being used to provide water as people try to fill up an assortment of containers. It seems that the major hotels continue to have consistent water supply.

Of course, water restrictions, filling up containers, and being innovative with water usage are not new to us here in Jamaica, and, it is assumed, in other Caribbean countries, including Cuba and Haiti; but one would not expect this dire situation in the US territory of Puerto Rico.

From the reporting, this is a much bigger problem of mismanagement, poor maintenance, and general neglect. Some add corruption. The dams were built between 1910-1966. It seems the water supply systems have not been properly maintained through the years and suffer from leaks, broken pipes, and an accumulation of silt. As we all know, water is essential to life. People can live without electricity, but not without water.

So, Puerto Rico is now dealing with a major crisis, a declared disaster, and the water situation could deteriorate further without heavy, sustained rain. Hopefully, Lord, not a hurricane. Let us pray that Jamaica is not headed in the same direction.

Elizabeth Morgan is a specialist in international trade policy and international politics.