By Chantalé Fletcher
CITIZENS will be temporarily banned from using water hoses due to water restrictions come March 1.
A release from the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) on Monday stated effective midnight on March 1 to June 30, the use of hoses and similar apparatus used to water gardens and wash vehicles will be prohibited.
The Authority highlighted this measure as part of their 2022 Dry Season Water Supply Management Plan.
In addition, the restrictions also included the use of sprinklers, pressure washers, as well as decorative fountains, waterfalls and other outdoor artistic features that utilise water.
The Authority under the WASA Act Chapter 54:40 would be allowed to issue the following:
- 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.
- 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 premises.
- Prohibition of any person from taking, using or diverting water from a reservoir, watercourse, conduit, pipe or other apparatus belonging to the Authority.
- Prohibition of any person from willfully or negligently operating or otherwise interfering with any valve or other apparatus belonging to and utilised by the Authority for supplying water.
- Prohibition of any person from attaching any pipe or apparatus or making any alteration to any pipe belonging to the Authority.
WASA stated any person who breaches this prohibition is liable to a fine upon summary conviction.
In addition, there will be increased patrols by the Authority to ensure compliance with this ban.
