In response to an intense drought exacerbated by aging infrastructure, authorities in Puerto Rico have implemented water rationing measures affecting over half a million people. The rationing scheme, which splits households into two groups with rotating 48-hour water shutoffs, has been met with dismay from residents, particularly those in the capital San Juan. The drought, according to the US Drought Monitor, is severe across most of Puerto Rico, with the crucial Carraízo reservoir depleted due to insufficient rainfall and high evaporation rates. Governor Jenniffer González has acknowledged these issues, attributing the rationing to extreme weather conditions that have left the island's reservoirs depleted. The current drought is the worst on record for Puerto Rico, with 68% of the island currently experiencing drought conditions. The government has stated that over 180,000 properties are affected by the rationing, and while the measure's duration remains uncertain, González has emphasized its necessity due to weather conditions beyond their control. As main outages take effect, residents have resorted to queuing at water tanker trucks for supply, with some areas experiencing confusion over when and which households will be affected. Experts have also pointed to degraded infrastructure, too much sediment in reservoirs, and human-induced climate change as contributing factors to the ongoing water crisis. Puerto Rico has a history of extreme weather events, with Hurricane Maria causing widespread destruction in 2017, and scientists warn that such events may become more frequent due to climate change. Additionally, González has reported over 1,000 wildfires currently burning across Puerto Rico, with potential rainfall expected when a cloud of Saharan dust drifts away from the Caribbean. The US federal government is providing assistance in this difficult situation.