Governor orders conservation measures and deploys the National Guard as drought affects about 60% of the island.
Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency as worsening drought conditions affect about 60% of the island, prompting Governor Jenniffer González to order water conservation measures and activate the National Guard to help secure access to water supplies.
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The emergency declaration follows expanding drought conditions, with severe drought affecting 24.8% of Puerto Rico and moderate drought covering another 36% of the territory, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
The first executive order establishes an islandwide response focused on conserving water resources and protecting drinking water supplies. Under the measure, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority will prioritize assistance for the regions facing the most critical water shortages.
Hoy reuní a parte de mi equipo de trabajo para dar seguimiento al monitoreo continuo de los embalses de la isla y evaluar las condiciones actuales del suministro de agua, como parte de las acciones preventivas para garantizar este recurso esencial para nuestra gente.
Además,… pic.twitter.com/CjuAZ9L4Bb
— Jenniffer González (@Jenniffer) July 31, 2026
Text Reads: Today I gathered part of my work team to follow up on the continuous monitoring of the island’s reservoirs and assess the current conditions of the water supply, as part of the preventive actions to ensure this essential resource for our people. Additionally, I signed two Executive Orders through which we declare a state of emergency due to the low levels of precipitation facing the island, with the purpose of protecting our most valuable resource: water. These measures will strengthen interagency coordination, expedite the acquisition of equipment and cisterns, implement conservation actions, and ensure the supply of drinking water for our communities and essential services. Likewise, I signed an Executive Order to activate the Puerto Rico National Guard and provide assistance to the Government in the transportation, distribution, and purification of water, thereby guaranteeing access to this indispensable resource for our citizens.
Government agencies have also been directed to identify and secure available state and federal funding to support the emergency response and implement measures to mitigate the drought’s impact.
The order gives priority to the use of drinking water for public consumption and essential services. It also authorizes government agencies to acquire, lease, install and distribute cisterns, tanks, reservoirs and other equipment needed to store and supply potable and non-potable water.
Authorities may also issue an administrative order freezing prices for essential goods, materials, equipment, supplies and services required to respond to the emergency.
Officials will meet weekly, or more frequently if necessary, to assess rainfall and reservoir levels, evaluate the effectiveness of response measures and determine whether additional actions are needed.
National Guard Activated
A second executive order authorizes the Puerto Rico National Guard to assist with transporting, distributing and purifying water to help ensure public access to water supplies.
The declaration comes as concerns grow over declining reservoir levels, prompting authorities to adopt broader conservation measures and a comprehensive water management plan. According to the latest report from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, most of the island’s main reservoirs remain within “security” or “observation” levels.
The U.S. Drought Monitor defines severe drought as a prolonged lack of rainfall that can damage crops, leave rivers and reservoirs at critically low levels and potentially lead to water rationing for communities.
El Niño Expected to Intensify
The drought is unfolding during the El Niño climate phenomenon, which is associated with higher temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization warned on Friday that El Niño is expected to intensify between August and October, contributing to above-average global temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns.
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