Rainfall monitoring continues as heavy rainfall remains a potential threat to Saint Lucia’s natural resources.
January 2025 saw an increase in rainfall on the island, with the Met Office recording 144.8 mm of rainfall at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and 117.8 mm at George F.L. Charles Airport (GFL). The numbers are comparatively higher than the 64.8 mm of rainfall recorded at UVF, and 103.2 mm at GFL for December last year.
Notably, recorded rainfall in December 2024 was significantly lower than the 146.7 mm recorded at UVF and 223 mm at GFL for the same period in 2023.
Nevertheless, surveillance of rainfall patterns following January’s increase continues, particularly as rainfall places a strain on Saint Lucia’s natural resources, including its water supply, as stressed by the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO).
“Floods damage our water sources,” stated a Facebook post released by WASCO in November last year, which was the month that saw the highest level of rainfall in Saint Lucia.
A statement issued by the company at that time also read, “Reduced water production at our treatment plants is a direct result of 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.”
In response, WASCO takes its system offline—resulting in temporary disruptions to the island’s only potable water source—for the company to clean clogged intakes. These disruptions are in addition to disruptions caused by Saint Lucia’s deteriorating water infrastructure.
In another statement released just last week, February 5, WASCO announced its water supply to the north of the island will be interrupted to facilitate scheduled maintenance on March 5.
WASCO stated, “These repairs are necessary to address ongoing issues with our aging infrastructure, which was installed over 40 years ago.” As many residents in communities in the north noted, the statement was issued at a time when some were already without water.
In its general messaging, the company has been advising Saint Lucians to strengthen their water storage habits through methods such as rainwater harvesting—a solution that can also be useful in the event of other climate challenges, such as drought.
“WASCO strongly encourages all consumers to consider investing in additional water storage solutions such as rainwater harvesting. 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,” stated WASCO.
