The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has disclosed that recent heavy rainfall has caused lower-than-normal water pressure for many areas across Saint Lucia.
According to a company statement, reduced water production at its treatment plants directly results from high turbidity and clogged intakes.
“This situation arises from the unique nature of our water supply system, which relies on natural sources that are vulnerable to environmental impacts during severe weather,” the statement said.
As a preventative measure, WASCO explained that it must place its systems offline and suspend its operations temporarily to ensure thorough cleaning of clogged intakes.
The water utility noted that typically, these measures lead to decreased pressure levels and disruptions in supply, which all consumers are currently experiencing, particularly those situated at higher elevations or the furthest points of the distribution networks.
WASCO revealed that aging infrastructure exacerbates the situation, limiting the company’s ability to respond quickly to changing conditions.
In addition, WASCO called attention to the low water rates charged to consumers, noting it constrained investment in necessary upgrades and improvements.
The company has strongly encouraged all consumers to consider investing in additional water storage solutions such as rainwater harvesting.
It observed that the effects of prolonged droughts in recent years have demonstrated the vulnerability and severe depletion of our natural water sources when rain is scarce.
“By having additional storage, consumers can better prepare for potential shortages and help reduce the strain on the system during the dry season and periods of heavy rainfall,” WASCO stated.
