The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has responded to growing public concern over widespread water shortages, citing climate variability, ageing infrastructure, and increasing demand as core contributors to ongoing supply issues.
At a press briefing on October 3, WASCO’s Project Management Unit outlined several environmental and operational challenges currently affecting the island’s water distribution systems.
“Our major issue right now relates to the effects of climate change,” said Maurice Norville, head of the unit. “Saint Lucia’s water supply is solely dependent on rainfall… Even in the rainy season, we are affected by frequent water shortages”.
WASCO explained that longer dry periods, intensified by climate change, have lowered river levels, while short, intense rainfall during the wet season contributes to sedimentation in water sources, complicating treatment processes. “More rain does not necessarily mean that there is more water available to our consumers,” Norville added.
The company also highlighted ageing infrastructure as a major challenge. “It’s no secret that our infrastructure is quite aged,” Norville said. “Some of it has been in operation longer than its intended design period,” resulting in significant leakage throughout the system.
Population growth and increased demand from the tourism sector have added further pressure on the distribution network. WASCO stated that these factors, combined with high temperatures and illegal abstraction from rivers, have made it more difficult to maintain a consistent supply.
However, the company’s explanation may do little to comfort the thousands of residents left without running water for days, sometimes weeks. Social media has become a pressure valve for frustration, with many accusing WASCO of mismanagement and poor planning.
To address the situation, WASCO is implementing several measures. These include replacing older pipelines, increasing water storage capacity, and upgrading treatment facilities to handle high sediment levels. The company has also developed a water rationing plan that prioritises critical sectors such as hospitals and schools during periods of shortage.
One major infrastructure project currently underway involves replacing 5 kilometres of raw water pipelines from the John Compton Dam to the Ciceron Treatment Plant. The initiative, supported by a US$22.8 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank, is expected to enhance supply reliability, particularly in the northern region. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and will take approximately two years to complete.
WASCO indicated that the long-term benefits of these projects are aimed at improving overall water security. “Our water supply is not an infinite water supply,” Norville said. “It takes more than just WASCO to be able to ensure water security.”
