While the 2020 dry season is approaching its end; the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) continues to contend with reduced water levels at a number of its dams island wide.
This has resulted in the Authority being faced with distribution challenges, resulting in valve regulation schedules being instituted for seven systems across the island and affecting supply to hundreds of consumers.
Even with intermittent rains in some parts of the island, the Authority is faced with increased shortfalls in production; hindering its ability to provide a 24-hours supply to some consumers.
The Les Avocat, Mardigras, Laura, Mamma Cannes, Munich, Mirabeau and Petite Etang Water Systems are on valve regulations, which remains in effect unless otherwise advised by NAWASA.
While NAWASA is working to address this challenge in the long term, it is important that individuals make personal safe storage a priority in the short term – even more so now with the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires increased use of water for personal hygiene.
Through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), valued at one hundred and twenty-five million Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD $125,000,000.00) and which is now being rolled out, NAWASA will construct new and increased storage facilities for both raw and treated water, in effect, eliminating the challenges currently faced in both the dry and rainy seasons.
NAWASA also strongly encourages persons to conserve and limit non-essential use of water for activities such as, power washing of paved surfaces, washing of vehicles with hoses and irrigation of lawns and gardens.
The Authority also encourages individuals to continue reporting leaks as soon as they are noticed, in an effort to minimise wastage.
NAWASA thanks the general public for their understanding during this period and advises communities under valve regulation that the information provided is based on the current water levels and can change without prior notice depending on availability of supply.
The Authority continues to monitor all water systems and their capacity to meet demand and will keep affected consumers fully aware of their supply status as information becomes available.
