PUERTO-RICO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a vital role in water supply, flood control, and ecosystem management. However, these critical resources are subject to the whims of weather, climate change, and human demand. The latest observations reveal a mixed picture, with some reservoirs experiencing surpluses due to above-average precipitation, while others face drought conditions, reflecting irregularities in snowpack melting and river flows.

For instance, Lake Powell in Arizona, the second-largest man-made reservoir in the country by maximum water capacity, is currently facing significantly low water levels with only about 44% of its average storage reported, a stark illustration of the prolonged drought impacting the Colorado River Basin. Contrastingly, Lake San Antonio in California is experiencing a surplus, holding nearly double the average storage, likely due to recent heavy rains. Similarly, New Melones Reservoir in California has a storage level well above its average, which could be beneficial in addressing the state's water needs amidst variable climatic conditions. Strategic management of these water resources is more crucial than ever, as water management authorities strive to balance environmental sustainability with the demands of urban development, agriculture, and recreation. The data underscores the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive reservoir management in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Puerto Rico has several major reservoirs and dams that serve as critical sources of water for the island's population and agriculture. The largest reservoir is the Carraízo Lake, which is fed by the Rio Grande de Loíza and other smaller streams. Other major reservoirs include the Dos Bocas and Caonillas Reservoirs. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the central mountain range, which receives the majority of the precipitation and snowpack during the winter months. Drought conditions are common in Puerto Rico, and water conservation measures are often necessary to maintain adequate water supply. In recent years, the island has experienced record drought conditions, with some reservoirs dropping to historic lows. Seasonal trends show that the island's wet season is from May to November, while the dry season runs from December to April. Overall, the management and maintenance of Puerto Rico's reservoirs and dams remain critical to ensuring a reliable water supply for the island's population and agriculture.

Puerto Rico has several major reservoirs and dams that serve as critical sources of water for the island's population and agriculture. The largest reservoir is the Carraízo Lake, which is fed by the Rio Grande de Loíza and other smaller streams. Other major reservoirs include the Dos Bocas and Caonillas Reservoirs. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the central mountain range, which receives the majority of the precipitation and snowpack during the winter months. Drought conditions are common in Puerto Rico, and water conservation measures are often necessary to maintain adequate water supply. In recent years, the island has experienced record drought conditions, with some reservoirs dropping to historic lows. Seasonal trends show that the island's wet season is from May to November, while the dry season runs from December to April. Overall, the management and maintenance of Puerto Rico's reservoirs and dams remain critical to ensuring a reliable water supply for the island's population and agriculture.