WASA limits Tobago's water supply

THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is limiting the water supply to several areas in Tobago owing to the harsh dry season. The change in the supply of water took effect on Monday.

In a press release on Tuesday, WASA said the dry season has negatively affected production at several of its major water treatment facilities including Courland, Charlotteville, Hillsborough West, Richmond and King’s Bay water treatment plants.

According to the release, from March to April 2020 there was a cumulative 70 per cent shortfall in rainfall compared to the long term average.

“With no meaningful rainfall thus far in May 2020, there have been significantly lower river flows at several surface water treatment plants, negatively impacting overall water production,” WASA said, adding that in light of this situation, customers at the extremities of several communities are being adversely affected, including Crown Point, Concordia, Plymouth, Canaan, Charlotteville, Betsy’s Hope, Roxborough and Goodwood.

WASA said it has increased its water trucking service and has been liaising with governmental representatives, in order to service affected customers.

WASA also acknowledged the importance of an adequate water supply in curbing the spread of covid19.

“The authority wishes to assure customers that it continues to manage the water supply and demand to ensure the sustainability of supplies to our customers to assist with the fight against the covid19 virus.”

WASA encouraged customers to manage their water use wisely by engaging in proper water conservation habits.

The updated supply schedule noted Bacolet Gardens to the cemetery will receive water daily from 6am to 6pm, Bloody Bay high points daily from 9pm to 5am, Calder Hall daily from 6am to 6pm, Castara daily from 6 am to 8 pm, Goodwood daily from 6 am to 8 pm, Government House Road daily from 6 am to 6 pm, Hope daily 6 am to 6 pm, John Dial daily from 6 am to 6 pm and Lambeau daily from 6 am to 6 pm. The full supply schedule can be found at https://www.wasa.gov.tt/WASA_Media_TempWaterSchedules.html.

Secretary of Settlements, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities Clarence Jacob said he was aware of the situation.

He said, “I am in conversation with the relevant authorities about this current shortage which we are aware of. I am cognisant of the shortfall in rainfall and also, I have some concerns with regards the increase usage of water due to the extended covid19 guidelines with regards washing of hands, but the conversation is ongoing.”