WASA to restrict water usage from next week

THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has announced water restrictions starting from next week and cautioned any breaches would result in fines.

In a release WASA said, effective midnight on Monday and until further notice, the use of hose pipes and any similar apparatus for the purpose of, among other things, watering private gardens and or washing private motor cars, would be prohibited in accordance with the Water and Sewerage Act Chapter 54:40 of the laws of TT.

“Customers and the general public are further notified that, under the Act, the authority has the responsibility for administering the supply of water and promoting the conservation and proper use of water resources.”

The act says upon giving notice to the public, the authority may prohibit or restrict the use of its water supplied through a hosepipe or similar apparatus for the purpose of watering gardens or washing motor vehicles including the use of sprinklers, pressure washers, as well as decorative fountains, waterfalls and other outdoor artistic features that utilise water.

The Act places responsibility on the owner/occupier of any premises to maintain and keep any water fittings in good condition so that the water supplied to those premises will not be wasted, misused or unduly consumed or contaminated before use. The act also prohibits any owner or occupier of any premises supplied with water by the authority, to supply or permit another person to take any of that water for use in other premise.

“Customers and the general public should note that upon the production of authenticated documents, authorised officers of the authority have the general power to enter any premises supplied with water at all reasonable hours in order to examine if there is any waste or misuse of such water. Any person who breaches this prohibition is liable to a fine upon summary conviction. There will be increased patrols by the authority to ensure compliance with this ban.”