The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has launched an investigation into suspected unauthorised interference with a decommissioned valve along the transmission main supplying the Delcer Water Treatment Plant.
WASCO said in a press release that its Production, Treatment and Quality team identified an irregularity at a valve location in the Unionville area on August 12.
A decommissioned valve along the transmission main between the intake and the treatment facility had been tampered with, restricting the flow of water into the Delcer plant, according to the company.
WASCO personnel subsequently attended to the valve, restoring the treatment plant to its former capacity.
The company said it has also initiated measures to strengthen the security of its assets in the area while its investigation into the suspected unauthorised interference continues.
WASCO reminded the public that wilfully tampering with or damaging utility infrastructure is an offence under Section 90 of the Water and Sewerage Act.
The company said Delcer remains among several southern networks experiencing low flows amid below-average rainfall, which has reduced yields at abstraction points across the island.
According to WASCO, the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services recorded a cumulative rainfall deficit of about 45 per cent at its southern station by the end of July, with forecasts indicating drier-than-usual conditions through November.
WASCO said it will continue to monitor intake conditions daily and carry out desilting works when conditions warrant.
The company is also urging customers to limit water use to essential household needs and defer unnecessary use until flows improve.
Consumers are encouraged to use harvested rainwater for non-potable purposes.
WASCO has advised the public to rely on its official channels for current information on water supply and infrastructure matters.
