The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) wants to reduce water losses by 5% over the next few years.
Working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the company will focus on fixing leaks, repairing faulty meters and stopping unauthorised water use.
This could mean fewer water shortages during the dry season and a steadier supply for customers. It will also help WASCO save money and invest more in improving its water system.
JICA has sent water supply specialist Tomohiro Minami to work with WASCO’s non-revenue water team. Minami started in June and will stay in Saint Lucia for two years, helping WASCO find, track, and reduce water losses throughout its system.
In a press statement, he said his main goal is to help WASCO build a better system for managing water losses and to train local staff.
“To achieve this, I will work together with WASCO’s staff to collect and analyse the data, assess the current situation, and implement pilot activities in selected areas,” he said.
Minami is trained in water supply engineering and has worked on water management projects in countries like Nepal and Tanzania.
Senior Planning and System Supervisor Hamish Joseph said the partnership is already helping WASCO better understand and manage its water network. “Our collaboration has been very productive,” Joseph said.
WASCO estimates that the programme could contribute to a 5% reduction in non-revenue water over three to five years.
Cutting water losses would help more than just the company. Water now lost to leaks or burst pipes could remain in the system and be delivered to customers.
Joseph said this is especially important when Saint Lucia’s water resources are under extra pressure.
He added that reducing water losses could make the supply more reliable, especially during the dry season when the island is most at risk of shortages.
There are also financial benefits for WASCO. By losing less treated water before it reaches customers, the company can save money and possibly use those savings to upgrade its infrastructure.
