Ongoing drought conditions in Puerto Rico have gotten so bad, the island no longer has enough water for its inhabitants. In fact, in August 2026, Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez was
forced to implement a water rationing system in many places. That means that
water pipes have been turned off, and around 180,000 residents will only have intermittent access to water, with that access rotating among households.
People affected by the rations will have to
go without water for 2 days (48 hours) between their windows of access. Even worse: the governor says she has
no idea how long this system will need to last.Climate change along with El Niño conditions have combined to create this terrifying scenario, and all of it has been made worse by crumbling water infrastructure. Since Puerto Rico is a part of the U.S., the U.S. government must commit to providing life-saving assistance and help improve the island's infrastructure! Sign the petition!As of late August,
around 75% of Puerto Rico was in a state of drought, ranging from moderate to severe to extreme. Approximately 22% of Puerto Rico was experiencing a 'severe' (level D2) drought, while 44% of Puerto Rico was experiencing an even more worrisome 'extreme' drought (level D3), according to the
U.S. Drought Monitor. This includes in both cities as well as in agricultural areas. In July 2026, the capital city San Juan recorded
its driest month in upwards of 120 years. It was also the second-hottest July on record, ever.
On farms, plants full of crops are dying, scorched by the sun and withering away without water. Unripened fruit is falling off the branches - leaving residents with less to eat, and also less income.
Even when trucks arrive to distribute the water rations, not everyone is truly safe. People who are pregnant, older, or disabled are especially at risk right now. Much of the water that is being distributed is coming in the form of heavy buckets, which is difficult or impossible for them to safely carry into their homes and use.
Regardless of El Niño, climate change is only going to get worse. What Puerto Rico is experiencing now is just a precursor of what will arrive in the future. Its residents must have safe, efficient, reliable water delivery systems.
Right now, aging, leaking pipes and other defunct infrastructure are responsible for about 60% of the island's water being lost and leaking out. Since the mainland U.S. is one of the largest contributors to climate change and shows no signs of slowing down its fossil fuel reliance any time soon, it has an obligation to help.
Sign the petition to demand that the U.S. government stop ignoring Puerto Rico and commit to ensuring that residents have modern, efficient water delivery systems! They must be prepared for the future, and efficient water usage is an important step.