Caption: From left are WASA’s communication manager Daniel Plenty, Director of Operations at WASA Shaira Ali and acting CEO of WASA Kelvin Romain
AMIDST the ongoing rainy season, the country’s reservoir levels remain alarmingly low, struggling to reach their long term average (LTA) capacity.
At least two reservoirs are currently below 50% of this target, according to acting CEO of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) Kelvin Romain, who addressed the issue at a press conference on Thursday.
Romain said that despite periodic heavy rainfall, it has not been enough to replenish the reservoirs adequately.
He said, “We are about 50 per cent or thereabout below our long term average in at least two of our reservoirs.”
Romain said that the Caroni River, crucial for supplying one of the nation’s largest water treatment plants, is experiencing lower than normal levels.
In light of these challenges, maintenance shutdowns at the DESALCOTT plant in Point Lisas have been postponed, following discussions between Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales and the plant’s management, he said.
Director of Operations at WASA Shaira Ali explained that the anticipated rainfall for this season was supposed to offset the harsh dry season. However, the drier-than-usual conditions in August and September exacerbated the situation. With the exception of Tobago’s Hillsborough Reservoir, all other reservoirs in Trinidad have seen insufficient replenishment.
Ali said there was the need for robust water management strategies and detailed plans for climate resilience initiatives to prepare for the 2025 dry season. These include enhancing treatment capabilities and refurbishing key facilities such as Caura and the North Coast facilities.
WASA is also exploring innovative solutions, including new groundwater wells and desalination plants, to diversify the island’s water resources.
WASA’s communication manager, Daniel Plenty, urged the public to conserve water. He said, “We need everyone to employ efficient water use practices.” He said sweeping they yard rather washing it with a hose and turning off the water while brushing teeth would go a long way in water conservation.
WASA plans to redistribute water supply to those severely affected, revise national water supply schedules, and increase water trucking capacity with regional schedules to address the situation.
