The island of enchantment is struggling right now.
A combination of severe drought, low reservoir levels, a major aqueduct rupture and aging infrastructure has left Puerto Ricans facinga water crisis.
Beginning on Aug. 7, the local government imposed a rationing program that shut off water service in the capital, San Juan, and its surrounding neighborhoods for 48-hour intervals, according to Puerto Rico's Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. Officials say more than 180,000 households were impacted by the program.
San Juan is a major tourist spot for the island, with its nearby airport and cruise docks, but travelers might not feel the impact of the crisis.
"The crisis isn’t for (the tourists); the crisis is for the people," Arturo Massol Deyá, director
of community-based organization Casa Pueblo, told USA TODAY. "It's important to understand that natural resources have to be protected, because they are what allow the tourism sector, even during a crisis, to somewhat stay afloat."
Hotels, restaurants and casinos are trying to maintain normal operations so guests don't feel the effects of the crisis. Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association President & CEO Clarisa Jiménez told local news that hotels have been "working with employees, guests and implementing conservation efforts," but the uncertainty is difficult to navigate.
Sonia Navarro, president of the Puerto Rico Restaurants Association, has similarly pushed for greater collaboration with local government to ensure restaurants can operate with a regular water supply. "There's something we can't control, and that's the weather," she said, adding that it's crucial to have "the infrastructure and having a line of open communication with the pertinent agencies (so they can see) how much this is affecting us."
Emilio Pantojas, senior researcher at the Institute of Caribbean Studies at the University of Puerto Rico, agrees that there is a lot of uncertainty for tourists. "Be careful if you are staying in a resort," he advised. "It is different than if you are staying on a (short-term rental). There are shortages of water in different areas that you need to know. There are problems with restaurants and other services. So make sure that where you’re going is not under rationing."
Puerto Rico remains open to visitors, despite the crisis. Here's what travelers heading to the Caribbean island should know.
Should you still visit Puerto Rico right now?
It depends.
Tourism is largely insulated from the island's water crisis.
"Part of the water crisis isn't only a meteorological drought," Pantojas explained. "It's not just a lack of rain; there's also a problem with the management of the aqueduct system, the water distribution system, and water collection and distribution. ... If you’re in a large resort, if you're staying with a chain, the effect on you is marginal. "
Massol Deyá exhorted those planning to visit to immerse themselves in the culture and "allow them to enter into a deeper state of awareness about Puerto Rican reality."
"Water misused by tourists is water that the people – the public – do not receive," he said. "It shouldn’t be tourism of alienation, which is practiced a lot. Tourists come here, disconnect themselves, go off into one little corner and think that’s the country."
Discover Puerto Rico, the island's official destination marketing organization, launched a “Keep the Island Singing” campaign on Aug. 20 designed to encourage visitors to reduce water consumption. The organization is telling vacationers that their behavior matters during the current crisis, even if their hotel or resort is operating normally.
"Puerto Rico continues to welcome travelers, with hotels, restaurants, venues, attractions, and visitor experiences operating across the Island," Discover Puerto Rico CEO Jorge L. Pérez told USA TODAY in a statement. "Because conditions and potential impacts may vary by location and property, we encourage travelers with upcoming plans to stay informed and contact their hotel, rental host, or travel provider directly for the latest information specific to their stay."
Discover Puerto Rico is encouraging travelers to take simple steps before they head to the island:
- Call the hotel or rental host and ask whether the property has backup water storage.
- Ask what to expect during the water rationing cycle.
- Check whether the location is included in the current rationing plan (click here).
- Bring a reusable water bottle and follow current local guidance before filling it.
Once they are on the island:
- Take short showers instead of baths.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- Reuse towels when practical.
- Thaw food in the refrigerator rather than under running water.
- Avoid watering lawns or gardens during dry conditions.
- Skip washing cars when water conservation measures are needed.
"The call is to get to know the country in addition to enjoying it," Massol Deyá said. "And that includes enjoying its natural attributes and recognizing systemic problems that are worsening with climate change."
Tourism leaders are warning that a prolonged crisis could damage Puerto Rico's reputation as a destination. Hotels are already reporting higher operating costs, while short-term rentals are seeing more cancellations, according to El Nuevo Día.
“As the drought expands, rationing is spreading east and west, toward the northeast and northwest," Pantojas added. "And those are areas with a lot of tourism activity.”
Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travelers aren't feeling Puerto Rico's water crisis the same way
