SUMMARY

Puerto Rico is facing yet another crisis as major cities are rationing water for residents due to severe drought conditions. This problem is also exposing the island’s aging water infrastructure and lack of immediate government action, leaving many frustrated. For more on how families are coping and what officials are saying, Deema Zein spoke with investigative reporter Laura Perez Sanchez.

View the transcript of the story.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. How is Puerto Rico responding to severe drought?
2. When will water be shut off throughout Puerto Rico?
3. Who is Laura Perez Sanchez, and what is her background?
4. Why are some residents frustrated with the government's response to the drought, according to Sanchez?
5. What does Sanchez expect to happen over the rest of the year?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think this story does not describe aid offered to Puerto Rico from the federal government? Do you believe any such aid might be forthcoming?
2. This segment mentions failing water infrastructure as being a contributor to the water crisis. Do you think repairing this infrastructure should be a priority of the federal government? Why or why not?

Media literacy: Why do you think the producers of this segment chose to interview Laura Perez Sanchez for the story? What does her personal perspective bring to the segment that might not be possible with a journalist who didn't live in Puerto Rico?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

First, read the following article from last year, "Puerto Rico governor's effort to eliminate renewable energy goals sparks pushback"

Next, consider the following questions, and discuss as a class:

• How might the need to restructure energy infrastructure be related to the current water crisis?
• Why do you think the government of Puerto Rico has moved away from renewable energy?
• If Puerto Rico continues to experience increasingly severe weather (such as hurricanes and droughts), what do you think is the most important thing the country could do to protect its infrastructure and the people that depend on it?

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