cawasa e source newsletter- january - april 2016

In thIs Issue

January to April 2016Caribbean Water and Sewage Association Inc.

CAWASA Hosts HR Management Summit in Saint Lucia Page 2 NAWASA Nominated for Global Water Award Page 2 GIZ Enhancing Climate Change Resilience Page 3New CAWASA Executive on Board Page 3

Water Back on Tap in Dominica! Page 4Caymans Water Authority Lab Accreditation Renewed Page 8 CDB Funding Saint Lucia Projects Page 8 Caribbean Forced to Take a Longer Look at Desalination 3

As in the west, many parts of the Eastern Caribbean (particularly the north) are likely to experience some measure of drought relief during the three month period from April to June,

March 2016Rainfall was mixed in the eastern Caribbean islands for the month. Trinidad

was moderately dry; Tobago, Barbados, St. Vincent, Antigua and St. Kitts nor-mal; Grenada slightly dry; St. Lucia, Anguilla and St. Maarten slightly wet; Dom-inica very wet; and St. Croix moderately wet. Conditions in Guyana ranged from normal in the north to severely dry in southern areas. Aruba and Curacao were normal, and Puerto Rico was predominantly so. Conditions in the Dominican Republic ranged from very wet in the west to moderately dry in the east; while in Jamaica they ranged from moderately dry in the west to normal in the east. Grand Cayman was normal. In Cuba, conditions ranged from slightly dry in central areas to exceptional wet in some part of the west. In Belize, the conditions ranged from moderately dry in the south to normal in the north.

January to March 2016For the earlier three month period, normal to below normal rainfall was expe-

rienced in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana. Trinidad was severe to extremely dry; Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Anguilla and St. Maarten normal; Grenada ex-tremely dry; Barbados and St. Croix slightly dry; St. Vincent and Antigua mod-erately dry; Dominica moderately wet; and Guyana from normal in the north to extremely dry further south. Aruba and Curacao were severely dry. Though some southern parts of Puerto Rico were slightly wet, rainfall on the island was predominantly normal. Conditions in the Dominican Republic ranged from very wet in western areas to normal in the south, east and north. Jamaica and Grand Cayman were normal. Western Cuba ranged from slight to exceptionally wet, while the east was from normal to very wet. Conditions in Belize ranged from extremely dry in the south to normal in the north.

October 2015 to March 2016During that six-month period, apart from Grenada and St. Kitts that were

slightly wet, rainfall in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana was normal to be-low normal for the six month period. Trinidad was slight to moderately dry; Tobago, Anguilla, St. Maarten and St. Croix normal; Barbados St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica and Antigua moderately dry; and Guyana normal in the north to extremely dry in the south. Aruba was exceptionally dry, while Curacao was moderately dry. Puerto Rico was predominantly normal, but the Dominican Re-public ranged from very wet in the west to severely dry in the east. Apart from northwestern areas that were slightly wet, Jamaica was predominantly normal, and Grand Cayman was normal. Conditions in Cuba ranged from extremely wet in some western and north-central areas, to moderately dry in the south east. Conditions in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the south to very wet in the northwest.

April 2015 to March 2016For the twelve month period, the islands of the eastern Caribbean were nor-

mal to below normal. Trinidad was severe to extremely dry; Tobago normal; Grenada and St. Kitts slightly dry; Barbados, Dominica and St. Croix extremely dry; St. Vincent and St. Lucia severely dry; Antigua and St. Maarten exception-ally dry; and Anguilla moderately dry. Conditions in Guyana range from mod-erately dry in the north to normal further south. Aruba was exceptionally dry and Curacao extremely dry. Conditions in Puerto Rico ranged from extremely dry in the west to moderately dry in the east, while they ranged from exception-ally dry in the south to slightly dry in the northwest in the Dominican Republic. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from slight to severely dry, while Grand Cayman was moderately dry. Conditions in Cuba ranged from moderately wet in some western and central areas to exceptionally dry in the southeast. The southern half of Belize ranged exceptionally dry to normal, while the northern half was normal which is expected to have above normal rainfall, particular in the latter half of this three month period. There should, however, be some measure of caution for full relief from the longer term drought impacts, with recharge of underground aquifers and replenishment of large surface reservoirs and rivers taking a bit lon-ger, particularly since the early part of the rainy season (Jul-Sept) may not yield as much rainfall as normal.

Following sustained drought conditions across the Caribbean since October 2015, conditions are expected to improve over the next two months – but not after warnings of Head Waves and numerous other lessons that have again reiterated the importance of adaptation to Climate Change and adoption of mitigation measures,

all of which have implications for water availability across the Wider Caribbean region.

Drought Relief Forecast!

PREDICTIONSBecause of below-normal rainfall during 2015, water shortages occur in many

portions of the Antilles, notably Barbados, Haïti, St. Lucia and many of the Lee-wards.

Nearly all island nations are in longer-term drought. However, a failure of the secondary wet season in the Guianas has led to short-term drought.

Shorter-term (until June 2016): It is expected that a shorter-term drought situa-tion may persist from the ABC islands eastward to Saint Vincent and southward into the western.

Longer-term (beyond May 2016): El Niño peaked in strength last Novem-ber and is slowly weakening. The El Niño results in a drier early part of the year in the Lesser Antilles and a failure of the secondary wet season in the northern Guianas. This leads to drought concerns towards the end of the Ca-ribbean dry season (May 31).

In the islands, the wet season may start up to one month earlier than usual, when longer-term drought recovery is expected for Barbados, Cayman, central Hispaniola, Jamaica, Leewards, Trinidad & Tobago, US Caribbean Territories and the Windwards.

El Niño will possibly be replaced by a La Niña by the end of the year. This evolution should finally bring drought relief to the region, but may also

tilt the odds towards increased flash flood potential. (Source Caribbean Drought Bulletin April 2016, courtesy Caribbean Drought

and Participation Monitoring Network)

Regional overview on Seasonal Climate Forecasts

The El Niño has weakened to border-line strong. Sea-Surface Tempera-tures (SSTs) are 1.5 °C above average in equatorial eastern Pacific. The El Niño event is highly likely to last throughout the dry season, i.e. at least until May/June 2016, and then become neutral, with some chance of converting to La Niña later in the year. The El Niño is expected to continue to limit rainfall in the eastern Caribbean and the Guianas, at least until April/May 2016. For the longer term, any shift to a La Niña later is likely to enhance rainfall activity.

Caribbean Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) are currently about 0-1°C above-average in the vicinity of the Caribbean. Trade and upper level winds speeds are stronger than average. SST anomalies are expected to increase to-wards the east; but the strength of trade winds are hardly predictable. High SST anomalies are linked with enhanced rainfall, but strong upper level winds would be expected to reduce convective cloud development.

Continued on Page 15

e-Source January to April 2016

CAWASA started this month with a Human Resource Management Summit in Saint Lucia focusing on industry-specific issues, using first-hand examples to address real-world problems for the Human Resources Professional in the Water & Sewerage sector.

The theme for the conference was ‘Performance, Accountability and Excellence’, with presenters stressing on ‘The HR Strategy and Strategic Mix.’ It was aimed too at offering rigorous, hands-on professional develop-ment, with tailored learning around industry-specific HR challenges. (Continued on Page 16)

‘Performance, Accountability and Excellence’ highlighted and underlined as regional professionals sought ‘Strategic Mix’ to their ongoing development.

CAWASA hosts HR Management Summit in Saint Lucia

CAWASA Secretariat News

The OECS and CARICOM regions -- and indeed the wider Caribbean and Latin American region – face weather and climate warning not previously known. Last year (2015) was recorded as the hottest year on world record for more than the past cen-tury, but predictions are that 2016 will be no better. The entire region is therefore on Drought Alert.

The smaller OECS member-states have designed individual and collective ap-proaches and each island is taking its own set of drought-related measures, all guided by the need to also build resilience against Climate Change, which is the main factor behind the drought conditions.

Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago each face their own water woes, while El Nino continues to wreak havoc in Latin Central and South America, resulting in extreme measures being taken in the like of Venezuela to address the effects of re-duced water flow on electricity generation.

Hardly anyone anywhere still needs to be told that times have changed water-wise. The effects of the drought on each island and territory have driven home the message that water availability is changing with the times.

However, the almost constant availabil-ity of water despite all the trials and tribu-lations still results in too many Caribbean people taking that availability for granted.

Repairs to damaged water mains are of-ten swift and the bottled water business continues to boom, increasing the refusal of some to accept the water utilities and gov-ernments messages about rationing and har-vesting, conserving and preserving of the precious and dwindling resource.

With current threats to world water sources hastening flashing warning signals about increased scarcity as decades come and go, water utilities, companies and regu-lators all need to combine the fight against drought conditions with increased actions that address the expanding effects of climate change on Caribbean Water.

CAWASA remains committed to conti-nuity in its actions and advocacy, for and with all its member-utilities and associates, to ensure development and maintenance of the necessary institutional linkages to keep the interests of Caribbean water, as always, above water!

Editorial

Above Water!

Facilitator Sheree Baron (standing) presented and took questions from participants during the workshop.

Partticipants were motivated throughout the session by the facilitators and presenters, including Mr William Lesmond Magloire, who is a Saint Lucian

Occupational Health & Safety Consultant.

‘For the most dramatic performance improvement in a water utility in the developing world in 2015…’

NAWASA nominated for Global Water Leaders Award

Nominee National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWA-

SA), GrenadaWhat is it?

The National Water and Sewerage Authority (NA-WASA) is the lead agency in water supply and sew-age collection, treatment and disposal, operating un-der the Ministry of Works, Public Utilities, Physical Planning and Environment in Grenada. What has it done?

NAWASA has successfully launched a unique customer outreach programme which has taken the utility sector by storm. In an effort to engage young people and ensure an understanding of the value of water services across the generations, NAWA-SA launched a landmark televised game show for schoolchildren under the leadership of its general manager, Christopher Husbands, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Coopera-tion (GIZ). What makes it special?

NAWASA’s unique customer outreach campaign

took the form of a televised gameshow, ‘Water Warz’, fashioned after the show ‘Jeopardy!’ and designed to test students’ knowledge of water facts and myths, including climate change and water sustainability. The programme was launched in conjunction with World Water Day 2015.

The first series, in June 2015, saw fierce competi-tion between eleven participating schools over three rounds of competition. The grand finale was broad-cast live on local television, while each episode has since been uploaded to YouTube. The decision to push water issues on the national entertainment stage has given the topics of water and wastewater management prominence in the national media and has effectively tapped into the youth demographic.

As the world’s utilities search for more cutting-edge methods of engaging with the public, NAWA-SA has found a brilliant new way to mobilise mass media, while still maintaining a close connection with the community.

For more information on How To Vote visit: http://www.globalwaterawards.com/2016-shortlist

The CEO of the Barbados Water Authority was among those honoured for participating.



NAME POSITION UTILITY COMPANYMr Christopher Husbands President National Water &

Sewerage Authority (NAWASA)

Mrs Perline Scatliffe-Leonard Vice President Water & Sewerage Department (WSD)

Mr Ivan Rodrigues Secretary Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA)

Mr Vincent Hippolyte Treasurer Water & Sewerage Company (WASCO)

Mr Bernard Ettinoffe Immediate Past President

Dominica Water & Sewerage Authority (DOWASCO)

Mr Ignatius Jean Executive Director Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association Inc (CAWASA)

Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association IncExecutive Committee Members 2015-2016

New CAWASA Executive on board!At the CAWASA Annual General Meeting held on 4th December

2015, the following Directors were elected/re-elected to the Executive Committee for the 2015-2016 Term.

The Board of Directors of the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCo) has a new chairperson.

Effective February 8, Alison King as-sumed the position of chair of WASCo, replacing Egbert Louis, who served in the top post for four years, from January 2012 to January 2016.

Ms King, an engineer by profession, has served as a member of the WASCo Board of Directors for the last four years and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the water sector to her new position.

She takes her position at an impor-tant juncture for WASCo, as the company embarks on the major exercise of de-silting the John Compton Dam, while simultaneously undertaking the redevelopment of the water systems in the Dennery valley and Vieux Fort.

In welcoming the new chairperson, Senator Dr. James Fletcher, minister with responsibility for the water sector, expressed gratitude for the leader-ship provided by the outgoing chairman, Egbert Louis, who guided WAS-CO through a challenging period and laid the groundwork for the improve-ments in the service provided by the water company.

He also articulated confidence that the new chair and the Board of Direc-tors would build on this platform, and that WASCO would continue its evolution into a modern, responsive, customer-focused water and sewerage company, efficiently serving the needs of all residents on the island.

New WASCO Chair brings wealth of experience to the post!

Saint Lucia’s Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), along with the Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL) and the Deutsche Gesell-schaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), through its International Water Stewardship Program (IWaSP), are engaging in a water stewardship partnership to provide a 75,000 gallon potable water tank for the commu-nity of La Haut in Laborie, on the island’s south-west coast.

WLBL and the GIZ each contributed US$90,000 towards the realization of the project, resulting in a total of US $180,000 invested.

The potable water tank is intended to enhance water security for the people of La Haut by ensuring that there will be a supply of water for the community.

The project is also intended to develop greater levels of Climate Change Resilience, should there be any major interruption on the raw water system, treatment plant or supply line.

The project is being undertaken by WASCO and is due to start this month (April) and will last for 13 weeks.

GIZ, WLBL and WASCO building 75,000-gallon water tank to enhance

Climate Change Resilience

The La Haut agreement was signed in Saint Lucia by (left to right) WASCO Managing Director Vincent Hippolyte,

Horst Vogel of GIZ and Sebastian Sanchez of WLBL.


The Cayman Islands’ Laboratory recently had its ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation renewed following a successful audit by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).

The Laboratory has maintained its accreditation since 2002, when it became the first laboratory in the Caribbean specialising in water and wastewater analysis to be accredited by the A2LA.

The Laboratory carries out testing of the Authority’s potable water supplies and the effluent of the wastewater treatment plant. It also provides testing services to Government agencies, the private sector, and the general public.

Laboratory Manager Marcela Martinez-Ebanks explained that the renewal was approved until November 2017, following which the Authority will undergo an-other external audit to continue the accreditation.

“The renewal of our current A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation demonstrates our continued commitment as Laboratory staff to ensuring the quality of our prod-uct and services,” Ms. Martinez-Ebanks said.

The Laboratory’s accreditation was expanded in 2014 to ensure reliable testing of nutrients in wastewater samples. As of November 2014, the Laboratory‘s accredita-tion includes nutrient-related parameters (nitrogen and phosphorous) such as TON

CAYMAN WATER AUTHORITY LABORATORY ACCREDITATION RENEWED

- By Hannah Reid -

(Total Oxidized Nitrogen (sum of nitrite and nitrate)), Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, TN (Total Nitrogen), SRP (Soluble Reactive Phosphorous) and TP (Total Phospho-rous) and Silica. The Laboratory’s certificate of accreditation may be viewed here.

Water is now flowing again in pipes across Dominica. More than four months after Tropical Storm Erika devastated Dominica, water was finally fully restored across the country last month (January 2016).

General Manager of the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWAS-CO) Bernard Etinoffe says every community in the country now has access to potable water.

When Tropical Storm Erika hit in late August 2015, it disrupted plans to improve the island’s water systems – as well as caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and infrastructure.

“Prior to tropical Storm Erika, we were nearing 100 per cent access to po-table water,” Etinoffe said.

He added, “In fact, on completion of the Belles/Sylvania/Layou Park Water Project, we would have been at 99%.

“That system should have been commissioned in October, but because of the storm we had a major setback, not just for that project but throughout Dominica.”

Etinoffe pointed out that “All of the island’s 44 water systems were tremen-dously affected.”

Now, he added, “almost all of those systems are now up and running and every community is again being served with potable water from DOWASCO.”

Etinoffe did point out, though, that some of the water systems in place are temporary.

“Temporary restoration cost DOWASCO in excess of $5 million and the more permanent work will cost in the region of $38 million.

“We will be working with Government and the financial institutions to see how we can bring those systems up to speed in the shortest time,” he explained.

“We recognize that the systems are very vulnerable even to minor weather conditions at this time and we really do not want the disruption to the lives of our people and customers, so we will do all that we can . . . to ensure that the systems are brought to a standard that can serve the people of Dominica.”

Pipes across Dominica are once again serving water to islanders following several months of scarcity following the most devastating

tropical storm the island has seen in the era of climate change.

In 2015, the Nevis Water Department completed the new 10-inch Transmis-sion Mains in the Northern half of the island, along with 10-inch Pumping Mains and Distribution mains, totaling approximately 40,000 feet in length. The Department’s main focus in 2016 is to complete the installation of 10-inch pump mains and Distribution mains in the Southern half of the island.

Pipe arrangement at New Camps ReservoirA new Fused Glass Steel Reservoir was also erected at Maddens with a nom-

inal capacity of 300,000 imp Gallons located at 525’ asl which would supply the New Camps Reservoir, another 300,000 imperial gallon Reservoir located at 250’ asl.

The Pump Station at Fothergills has been designed to deliver 630 iGPM, which was investigated to be needed upon reaching year 2021 proposed de-mand in the South.

In the North, the proposed demand will require 610 iGPM. The Booster Sta-tions are utilized as secondary systems to lift the water to higher elevation areas, after they would have received water from lower reservoirs, which are fed from several Ground Water wells.

Over 60% of all water produced in Nevis has to be booster to meet demand at higher elevation.

Total water demand in Nevis in 2015 averaged 1.772 Million Imperial Gal-lons per day (MGD) with a peak of 1.965 MGD in May. Overall this is an in-crease of 13% over 2014 demand and 23% over 2013 demand.

Complementing the six newly erected Reservoirs are six Chlorination Util-ity Buildings, which will house a Chlorination Unit that would discharge a Hypochlorite solution on consumer Demand as the water is being discharged from the Reservoirs.

This Unit will also be controlled and monitored by the new SCADA net-work. All pipes laid are HDPE. This site shows a number of lengths of DN 315 PN 25 joined together at Fothergills as we prepare to install the Pump mains from the Booster Station at Fothergills to the receiving Reservoir at Stoney Hill, a distance of approximately 5,000’. Excavation has already proven to be tough as illustrated below.

The Department is currently using the Delta 355 All terrain Ritmo Butt-Fu-sion Machine shown below. The process of joining is somewhat semi-automat-ed. This involves joining pipes by method of heating the two ends of the pipes with a heating plate that is connected to the machine. After a series of steps, the two ends of the pipes are pulled together by hydraulic pistons.

Water Department expanding services across Nevis


Happy Cayman Water Authority staff are happy about their lab's renewed accreditation.


German and Saint Lucia Water Companies sign Five-year Partnership Agreement

CAWASA Executive Director Ignatius Jean says the regional entity is pleased that Saint Lucia’s WASCO and Hamburg Wasser have entered into a five-year water operators partnership agreement.

According to Mr Jean, “We are pleased that WASCO in Saint Lucia and Hamburg Wasser signed a five-year twinning agreement.”

Among the areas that will be covered under the agreement, he says, are Water Loss Reduction, Wastewater Management, Energy Efficiency, Perfor-mance Management, Customer Information Systems etc.

The signatories to the agreement were Dr. Christoph Czekalla, Director, Water Production Division at Hamburg Wasser and Engineer Ms. Alison King, Chairman, WASCO.

The agreement was signed in the presence of the Senator Dr James Fletch-er, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Managing Director WASCO Mr. Vincent Hippolyte, Director for the GIZ/CATS Project in the Caribbean Dr. Horst Vogel and the Execu-tive Director of CAWASA.

It is hoped that this twinning will act as a pilot, which will also be ex-tended to include other utilities in the Caribbean. The twinning partnership arragenment was signed on 17th March 2016 at Auberge Seraphine Hotel in Castries.

The partnership was arranged following successful technical cooperation missions by the German Strategic Alliance of the Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and Sewerin, VAG and Ham-burg Wasser.

Hamburg Wasser are expert supply and disposal security providers in Hamburg, Germany. They also customize solutions for water management needs in the surrounding towns and municipalities in the metropolitan re-gion of Germany.

This arrangement aims to form a collabative relationship between the com-panies in different aspects of water utility management and operation, with a view to enhancing each party’s delivery of commercially variable services. This will strengthen each utility’s ability to achieve their mandate, while shar-ing information and ensuring knowledge transfer between companies.

The signatories to the agreement were Dr. Christoph Czekalla, Director, Water Production Division at Hamburg Wasser and Engineer Ms. Alison King,

Chairman, WASCO.

The Programme Manager stated, “Previous missions aimed at assisting WASCO to develop a holistic and robust non-revenue water reduction pro-gramme highlighted some deficiencies which would jeopardize the sustain-ability of efforts.”

The manager said too that “The twinning will provide a period where solutions developed for a wide range of areas across the utility operations and management functions could be implemented; and with joint oversight these solutions will be evaluated and adjusted accordingly.”

According to the Program Manager, “The end results will be a tailor-made solution created from already proven successful ideas aimed at mak-ing WASCO a viable water utility.”

German Strategic Alliance conducted water loss reduction training for eight Caribbean islands

Some eight Caribbean islands have benefitted from water loss reduction training, thanks to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammen-arbeit GmbH (GIZ).

The GIZ training was developed for the realization of international proj-ects in the water sector across the world. Among these are projects in Burki-na Faso, Uganda, Jordan, Peru and Saint Lucia.

Some 800,000 Euros were made available by the involved partners -- GIZ as public partner and SEWERIN, VAG and HAMBURG WASSER to incor-porate projects.

In March 2016, the unutilized funds of approximately 40,000 Euro (out of the budget of VAG) were invested as part of a follow-up on the cur-rently Since May 2014, the Strategic Alliance for Water Loss Reduction has taken on projects in Saint Lucia in the form of an initial fact-finding Mission, followed by a Utility Management Support Project for WASCO started in December 2014, aimed at improving the institutional and human resource capacities of the company.

The main focus during that one-year intervention was placed in the fol-lowing fields: Energy Efficiency, Leak detection, Hydraulic Modeling, Net-work Management, GIS Support, Education and Training.

The mission conducted a 4-day “train the trainers” workshop in Saint Lucia from March 7 to 10, 2016 on ‘Non Revenue Water and Water Loss Re-duction’, in collaboration with GIZ, CAWASA, SALCC Division for Techni-cal educations and WASCO.

Some eight islands participated in the training, namely: Anguilla, Nevis, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts, St Vincent and Saint Lucia.

There were 18 participants from the eight Caribbean countries, including lecturers from the Sir Lewis Community College (SALCC) and engineering and technical staff of the following utilities: Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) Saint Lucia, Barbados Water Authority (BWA), Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO), Central Water and Sewerage Au-thority (CWSA) St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) Grenada, Nevis Water Department, Water and Sewerage Department, St. Kitts, the Water Corporation of Anguilla.

The course facilitators were Ms. Lucatina Ercolano of CONSULAQUA, Hamburg and Mr. Sebastien Bojarski of VAG, Hamburg.

The course concluded on Friday 11, March with the presentation of certif-icates by Senator Dr. James Fletcher, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology.

Other officials present at the closing ceremony were Engineer Allison King (also as Chairman of the Board of Directors at WASCO), Mr. Vincent Hippolyte (the Managing Director of WASCO), Dr. Olivia Saunders (Princi-pal, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College) and Mr. Ignatius Jean, Executive Director, CAWASA.

Participants at the regional Water Loss Reduction Workshop in Castries last month came from several Caribbean islands.

CAWASA Executive Director Ignatius Jean (fourth from left) with participants at the end of the GIZ/WASCO/CAWASA workshop on Water Loss Reduction

held at the SALCC last month.


SOS: OECS Drought Alert!

The St. Lucia Water Reserve Management Authority (WRMA) says 2015 was the driest year for the country in almost four decades. And farmers and other residents are being advised to plan water conserva-tion methods in preparation for a prolonged dry spell.Water Resource Management Authority Officer Fitzgerald John says the dry climate has had a significant impact on water levels throughout the island – a situation also faced across the OECS sub-region.

“Judging from the data we have at the WRMA, and the MET Servic-es, the rainfall data for Union, George FL Charles and Hewanorra Air-port [in Saint Lucia] showed that 2015 was the driest year that we’ve had on record for the past 40 years.

“Also, the SPI [Standardized Precipitation Index], which is the stan-dard index used to calculate drought, indicates that [rainfall is] below average,” he said.

“So leading up to the dry season [which started December 1], St. Lucia actually went into the dry season with a rainfall deficit.”

A prolonged dry spell has been predicted for 2016. As a result, farm-ers are being urged to take initiative to ensure that they are prepared.

“We are looking at planting resistant crops, digging drainage at the correct height and length, and rainwater harvesting,” John said.

The World Meteorological Organization recently said 2015 was the warmest year on record since 1880.

Prolonged dry spell predicted for 2016

Parched earth is forecast for much of 2016 across the region, causing governments and water agencies to advocate everything from water

harvesting to proper irrigation.

Rainfall in December 2015 remained well below the traditional av-erage for the period and the Water Services Department (WSD) of St. Kitts and Nevis informed customers that water rationing -- which had been temporarily ceased for the Christmas and Carnival celebrations -- was being reintroduced daily throughout St Kitts.

The WSD advised that “the recent showers only improved the situa-tion slightly” and encouraged “consumers to continue to observe mea-sures that will help to mitigate the upcoming dry period.”

Recommendations urged residents and agencies to repair leaks, purchase cisterns, implement water management contingency plans, and to cease watering grass and washing vehicles with water hoses.

Additionally, the WSD will monitor standpipes and fine or discon-nect service for violations where applicable. No water will be sold to cruise vessels.

Experts are also warning residents of St Kitts and Nevis to continue water conservation practices.

Elmo Burke, senior meteorological officer based at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, reported that 1.89 inches of rainfall was recorded in November, which is about half of the 3.76 inches of rainfall recorded in the same period in 2014.

Burke forecast that the “below normal rainfall” will persist for the next three months, to be followed by a slightly above normal period of rain between April and June.

However, he advised that drought like conditions will last up until May 2016.

Water rationing reintroduced in St. Kitts

The surface water source at Wingfield flowed heavily in 2013

Desalination plants are being considered by the Saint Lucia government in a bid to help the country prepare for severe drought conditions.

The disclosure was made today by Minister with responsibility for the Pub-lic Service, Information, Broadcasting, Sustainable Development, Energy, Sci-ence and Technology, Doctor James Fletcher.

Fletcher told a news conference at the office of the Government Information Service (GIS) that talks are being held with two developers on commissioning two Desalination plants.

The Minister revealed that the plan is for one plant to be established in the North of the Island and the other in the South.

He said the plants would be available if necessary to augment water sup-plies if they fall below “critical levels.” The Minister also said that work on the John Compton Dam is progressing smoothly.

Fletcher noted that as far as he was aware, the tenders were opened. He re-vealed that the result of that process is now with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Fletcher told the news conference that once that process is completed, it goes back to the Tenders Board and the contract will be awarded.

“We are still on target for the commencement of work this rainy season,” the Minister declared.

According to Fletcher, the work on the John Compton Dam is important because Saint Lucia will have to deal with a drought that is already suggesting that it will be ominous and problematic.

“It means that what we do between now and the start of the rainy season will be very important,” he said.

Fletcher asserted that the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) has al-ready put a drought management plan in place, starting much earlier this year than last year and previous years.

“Unfortunately this is something we will have to live with for years to come,” he declared.

The Minister said the weather patterns are changing and all the projections for climate change suggest a ten to twenty percent reduction in water avail-ability, which is the result of warming of the planet.

Fletcher said:“We have to prepare for that eventuality and take the steps to help us better

manage our water resources.”

Desalination plants being considered

The OECS region had been forewarned – since last year – that drought conditions currently being witnessed can last longer than usual.

Late last year, the Second Council of Ministers with Responsibility for Environment and Sustainable Development of the ‘Organisation of East-ern Caribbean States’ (OECS) met to assess drought conditions.

The September 2015 meeting in Antigua and Barbuda had as its over-arching theme “Island Resilience”.

For the first time, representatives from Martinique participated along-side Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Mont-serrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Vincent & Grenadines.

The event focused on crucial topics such as ‘OECS Building Codes’, ‘Model Water Policy’, ‘COP 21′, ‘Global Climate Change Alliance Dem-onstration Projects’, ‘Invasive Species’, ‘Ocean Acidification’, ‘OECS Hy-drography’, ‘Marine Research’, ‘Renewable Energy’ and ‘Sustainable De-velopment Goals’.There was also a presentation on ‘Climate outlook until February 2016′ by Dr. Cédric J. Van Meerbeeck from the Caribbean Insti-tute for Meteorology & Hydrology (CIMH).

According to the presentation, the entire OECS region can expect drought conditions that will continue for the foreseeable future. (See More in Centre Pages)

OECS was forewarned about current 2016 drought conditions

A macro of water dropped from flask to save a grain on parched soil.


Haiti's third consecutive year of drought, exacerbated by the global El Niño weather phenomenon, has driven people deeper into poverty and hunger, and doubled the severely food-insecure population, the United Na-tions World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.

Some 3.6 million Haitians are facing food insecurity, among them more than 1.5 million people who are severely food insecure. This is a key find-ing from an emergency food security assessment conducted by WFP, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and National Food Security Coordination.

“Without rain for the 2016 spring season, farmers will lose their fourth consecutive harvest, on which they normally depend to feed their families,” warned Wendy Bigham, WFP's deputy country director in Haiti, in a news release.

“We need to help them meet their immediate needs and help build up their resilience,” she added.

According to the agency, the main harvest in 2015 fell below average, with losses of up to 70 per cent in some areas. This is severely threatening food security in Haiti, where agriculture employs half of the working popu-lation and 75 % of people live on less than $2 per day.

In addition, the current El Niño phenomenon, which began in early 2015, is one of the strongest on record and is affecting the food security of vulner-able people around the globe, including in Haiti.

In some areas of the country, up to 70% of the population is facing hunger and a recent study conducted by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the government of Haiti revealed that malnutrition rates are above emergency levels in several communes.

WFP intends to scale up its food assistance programmes to address the most critical and immediate needs of one million drought-affected people by distributing cash and food rations.

The agency also plans to complement the immediate distributions with Cash-for-Assets programs, in which 200,000 Haitians are paid in cash in ex-change for work on watershed management and soil conservation projects to improve local infrastructure for long-term development.

In coordination with the government, WFP has been distributing food to about 120,000 Haitians since November in areas worst affected by the drought.

A two-month food ration feeds a family of five and includes such basic food items as rice, pulses, oil, sugar and salt.

WFP said its assistance to families is essential until at least the next har-vest, expected in July.

To meet the basic needs of one million Haitians, the agency, which is funded entirely by voluntary contributions, requires $84 million.

In the absence of water…

Drought and Weather blamed

as Food Insecurity doubles in Haiti!

A family digs up pieces of wood on the outskirts of Gonaives, Haiti, which they burn in a pit to create charcoal for sale at the local markets. This demand, coupled with the lack of alternative employment, has contributed to the deforestation and

erosion crisis in the country. (Photo: UNICEF/UNI43567/Lemoyne)

Saint Lucia is prepared to manage drought conditions with a plan that has been used effectively over the last three years.

The Government, together with the Water and Sewerage Com-pany Inc. (WASCo.) has formulated a comprehensive drought man-agement plan for the island.

The inter-agency plan includes input from the Department of For-estry, the Metrological Office, the Ministry of Sustainable Develop-ment and WASCO.

WASCO’s Managing Director Vincent Hippolye, said the plan has been used effectively over the last three years.

He explained, “Fortunately for us last year, because of the way we went about managing the period[of drought, we fared a lot bet-ter than a lot of the islands in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico.

“We were quite pleased that we were able to survive the drought conditions last year so well, because last year was worse than the previous year.”

Records have shown that there has been less rainfall over succes-sive years. This year Saint Lucia is starting with a water deficit.

“The conservation of water is imperative. We will not have enough water for people to do everything that they want. So water that we produce must be used sparingly,” Hippolyte said.

He said too that “Predictions indicate that water is going to be in scarce supply because El Nino is going to strengthen.”

The region’s current drought conditions are as a consequence of El Nino, an international weather system that has been strengthen-ing since October 2015. Below normal conditions are expected well into April 2016.

WASCO has Drought Management Strategy

The Government of Saint Lucia, through the United Nations Of-fice for Project Services (UNOPS), received a grant from Government of Mexico for the new infrastructure required to supply potable wa-ter to North Dennery residents.

UNOPS last month invited prospective bidders to bid for the de-sign and construction (Design-Build) of river water intake, trans-mission pipelines, water treatment plant, pumping stations, storage tanks and distribution system in two phases, in accordance with the requirements and process as set out in this Request for Proposal (RFP).

The Deadline for Bid Submission was February 2016 and a site visit/clarification meeting (not mandatory, but strongly encouraged to avoid risk of non-compliant proposals) was also held on January 11at the UNOPS office in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet.

When completed, the project will provide a reliable and adequate water supply to residents of the entire constituency, who have long suffered from water shortages and other inconveniences due to the inadequacy of the existing aged water system.

Mexico to help St. Lucia develop

water supply

SOS: OECS Drought Alert!


Homeowners, businesses and farmers across the OECS have been put on notice to brace for further extreme drought conditions in their region this year.

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has pointed to data from the World Meteorological Organisation, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, which indicates that the persistent drought that has affected the Caribbean in re-cent years could very well worsen in 2016.

In the face of the prolonged dry spell being predicted in coming months, the Prime Minister said whereas his and other OECS Government are do-ing their part to help ensure there is a measure of resilience, householders, employers and agriculturists must also take action to safeguard themselves.

According to Dr. Anthony, “Extreme drought has been affecting Saint Lucia and the Caribbean for the past few years. “The data shows that the year 2015 was the driest on record for some forty years and due to the rela-tively low levels of precipitation during the rainy season, we actually en-tered the dry season in a rainfall deficit.”

“Across the region,” he added, “our neighbours are facing huge reduc-tions in their agricultural yield. This is quite alarming, and we certainly cannot ignore this phenomenon.” The PM said his Government “is taking steps to help alleviate this very serious situation.”

He said the John Compton Dam Rehabilitation, the Vieux Fort Water Supply Redevelopment, and the Dennery North Water Supply Infrastruc-ture Project are major priorities in Saint Lucia.

Once completed, he explained, these initiatives will provide relief to over 100,000 citizens, by improving the consistency and quality of the water sup-ply to tens of thousands of homes. Governments and private sector stake-holders have also undergone important training in drought mitigation and management, he noted.

According to Dr Anthony, “But whereas these projects will reduce our vulnerability, it is still necessary for each and every one of us to do what is needful to prepare ourselves, our homes, and our places of business. “The purchase and installation of water tanks to enable rainwater harvesting must become second nature for us.

“Our farmers have to look at planting hardier crops and improving

The OECS Commission earlier this year facilitated a four-day workshop on National Drought Management Policies and National Drought Early Warning Information Systems.

The workshop was held in collaboration with the USAID-funded Reduc-ing the Risks to Human and Natural Assets Resulting from Climate Change (RRACC) Project, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), and the National Drought Mitigation Centre (NDMC) out of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Head of the OECS RRACC Project, Lester Arnold, said policies formulat-ed to mitigate the impacts of droughts will become increasingly important to the Caribbean.

“Coming out of 2015, information shows that we are in a dry spell and that we going into 2016 with a water deficit. So, we are very concerned about how the agencies throughout the OECS will be able to cope with the drought.

“We thought that a drought management plan and drought management

OECS Developing Drought Management Plantraining would be fitting; where all the agencies come together to develop a comprehensive policy to address how drought is managed in all of the member states.”

Too much or too little water can be devastating to the health of popula-tions and provide favourable conditions for the spread of water or vector borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, zika, cholera, and leptospirosis.

These health implications have resulted in widespread participation in the drought management workshop from stakeholders.

According to Arnold, “The stakeholders are from the agricultural depart-ment, the hotel and tourism sector, insurance agencies, the Fire Service, the Water Resources Management Agency, the Ministry of Sustainable Devel-opment and WASCO."

The objectives of the workshop included training and preparation for policy and plan writing. The workshop was held in Saint Lucia from Janu-ary 26 to 29.

drainage. We have to do all in our power to conserve water, and to use this precious resource wisely.” Researchers say the Caribbean has entered a pe-riod of extended dry periods never before seen.

In January, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Com-mission held a four-day workshop on National Drought Management Poli-cies and National Drought Early Warning Information Systems in Saint Lu-cia, in collaboration with various regional and international organizations.

OECS urged to take drought mitigation measures for 2016

Residents of Perou, La Croix Maingot, in Castries South East, started 2016 with a new outlook on pipe borne water in their neighbourhood, thanks to the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), which has signed a con-tract with the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) to complete a three-month water supply enhancement project.

Perou, which has traditionally been faced with an unsteady water supply due to several factors including topography, was identified for intervention under the Seventh cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Programme administered by the SSDF.

The BNTF 7, a collaboration between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Saint Lucia, undertakes poverty reduction interventions in three targeted sectors: Education and Human Resource De-velopment (Youth at Risk), Access and Drainage, Water and Sanitation.

Executive Director of the SSDF, Joachim Henry said: “We know that this need existed for a long time, and we are happy to sign the contract to see the commencement of this water project.”

The project involves establishment of half-a-kilometre of four-inch water mains and several households will be connected to this line. In addition, SSDF conducted customary training exercises to impress the understanding of the importance of water to beneficiaries.

“We must treat water as a very precious commodity, so that we do not waste it,” said the SSDF head.

The Skills Training component of the project comprises water resource, maintenance and waste-management training for 25 residents of Perou.

Minister for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment Harold Dalsan explained that the total Country Allocation for the Water & Sanitation Improvement Sector is $3.2 million and the con-tribution by the Government of St. Lucia is $161,131.

He pointed out there are five projects earmarked for this intervention by the CDB: the George Charles Boulevard Public Facility in Marchand, the Ravine Poisson Public Facility and the one at Perou, which will be con-nected to the Bouton-Colombette Water Supply Enhancement Project and improvement of the water supply in Canaries.

The allocation for the Perou, La Corix Maingot water supply enhancement sub-project is $308,404 including a contribution of $15, 420 by the Government of Saint Lucia. The project is the first Water & Sanitation Improvement sub-proj-ect of the BNTF 7 to reach implementation stage. (See Page 15)

CDB’s BNTF funds five Water Supply and Enhancement Projects in Rural Saint Lucia

Overflowing Roseau Reservoir on St. Lucia. *Photo credit: www.giz.de

SSDF Executive Director Joachim Henry (right) signed the agreement with BNTF and GOSL officials in the presence of MP Guy Joseph (2nd from right),

Social Transformation Monister Harold Dalsan and Permanent Secretary Julianna Alfred (3rd and 4th from left, respectively), along with the contractor

(2nd from left) and SSDF Chairman Sam Augier (at extreme left).


Two contributions to discussion of solutions to Barbados' water problems

Never let a good crisis go to waste –– the current water situation in Bar-bados is an opportunity to support long-needed changes in how our water is managed. However, to achieve this, we need a thorough understanding of the problems to be able to look for long-term sustainable solutions, rather than short-term costly “fixes”.

Barbados is facing two different issues that are responsible for the present woes. They are related, but how to address them is very different.

The first problem concerns how much fresh water the island has –– its wa-ter resources. The second problem concerns how those freshwater resources are managed.

These two issues are related, because if there is not enough fresh water available, then having the best abstraction and distribution system in the world will not prevent us from having to turn to waste water reclamation or costly desalination to augment the inadequate supply.

On the other hand, if you have all the water you need but the water distri-bution system is very inefficient in getting the water to the people, then it’s not much help. Barbados has both problems.

How much fresh water is available depends on the weather –– rainfall. Some rainfall runs off into the sea; some rainfall soaks into the ground and is stored there; and some, not much, may be stored in rainwater tanks.

There is not much we can do about the rainfall. The rainfall last year was about half of what we normally get. We were told it was going to be below normal –– but was anything done about that warning?

We are told we should expect the below average rainfall situation to con-tinue this year –– we will be forced by circumstances to sit up and take no-tice. So, we are going to have to get by with much less.

There are some things we could do:1. Capture more rainfall by incentivizing rainwater harvesting by homeown-

ers and farmers for secondary usages (for example, for irrigation and car washing).

2. Maximize groundwater recharge by ensuring that our network of suck wells is well maintained and by impounding more run-off where feasible.

3. Reclaim waste water. The Bridgetown and the South Coast Sewerage systems combined collect over four million gallons per day of water that is treated, and then discharged into the sea. There is a plan to collect a further four million gallons per day of water from the West Coast, when or if we ever build the West Coast Sewerage system. That’s eight million gallons per day of potentially available water that could be treated and reused directly for non-potable purposes or indirectly reused by ground-water recharge.The reality is that whatever we do, as a result of climate change there is

going to be less rainfall available in the future. So we have to do some seri-ous thinking about this now; tomorrow is too late.

The second part of the problem -- and we would argue the priority issue -- is the water distribution system. Again, we can think about this in two parts: the physical infrastructure, and the operation and management of the infrastructure.

Much of the water supply system was built a long time ago and, like peo-ple, as it gets older and things don’t work as well as they once did. We see the evidence of this by the number of leaking and bursting pipes.

Over the last ten years, there has been an average of three bursts per day, every day. Unlike with people though, we can put new pipes in.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) currently pumps about 30 million gallons per day of water into its distribution network, but only just over half of that reaches the consumers.

To pump nearly-twice as much water as consumers actually receive, has made the BWA the largest single consumer of electricity on the island. In-deed, bringing non-revenue water (leaks and bursts) from the currently es-timated 49% to an industry best-practice of less than 10% would not only solve the current supply problems, but would also present significant cost savings in energy costs to the water utility in the long term.

Deterioration is something we know happens and can expect. So, a fair question would be: why wasn’t something done about it before things got to the present situation?

Yes, a start has now been made to replace old pipes, which will have some impact on the water being lost (The current programme is estimated to re-duce the losses from 49% to about 40%).

But what is the plan once the current funding for pipe replacement runs out? How are the momentum and funding for leak detection and replace-ment going to be maintained?

This is very important, because it speaks to the water availability problem –– making better use of what we already have.

We need to be assured that continued national economic development will not be compromised by the lack of access to fresh water. The develop-ment and implementation of a comprehensive integrated water resources management plan for the water sector is urgently required.

The call for such a plan will not provide any immediate comfort to the people in St Lucy and St Joseph (in Barbados) who have no water now. But if properly developed and implemented, we can at least ensure that they never again suffer the same level of inconvenience and indignity.

(Dr Adrian Cashman is Director of the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus). (More on Pages 10 and 11)

Easing Barbados water woes can be easier and quicker than you’d think!

- By Dr Adrian Cashman -

Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Manage-ment, Dr. David Estwick, has outlined a number of short- and long-term solutions to alleviate the water shortage currently affecting island.

The Minister announced the measures recently during a press confer-ence.

Dr. Estwick revealed that he instructed the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) to use its emergency procurement provisions to complete the North-ern Upgrade project, which began before he took the helm of the Ministry.

The plant, he disclosed, would move 12,000 cubic metres of water from the Spring Garden desalination plant down the west coast to the Battaleys reservoir in St. Peter and to Warleigh reservoir, which would take water into Rock Hall, St. Peter, and as far as Rock Hall, St. Thomas.

Dr. Estwick stated that for the first time in its history, the BWA was work-ing aggressively to replace all old and decaying water mains, some of which were 120 years old. He explained that work on the mains replacement be-gan with the Ionics project, where three major mains were changed to the tune of BBD $32 million.

This was followed by the Inter-American Development Bank-funded mains replacement package A programme, which was completed, and package B, which is ongoing, at a cost of BBD $42 million.

The Agriculture Minister also disclosed that on December 10 last year, the Caribbean Development Bank approved a Reservoir and Water Mains Replacement loan of BBD $80 million, which is currently being processed.

He further added that the BWA was now investing BBD $8 million to replace the Grand View reservoir, which, if not repaired, would severely affect the water supply to Bridgetown.

Dr. Estwick said that the BWA had also recently introduced a Leak De-tection Department, and was currently working on reservoirs in the Scot-land District area.

“The water main connecting the Golden Ridge to the Castle Grant Reser-voir was in bad shape for years. These reservoirs service St. Joseph. …For years, when you made any attempt to pump water from Golden Ridge to Castle Grant, it leaked into the ground. We are in the process of establish-ing a direct water main from Sweet Vale Basin to Castle Grant, where a new well is being drilled after Ward Drilling found over 160 ft. of fresh water,” he explained.

Turning his attention to the short-term solutions, the Minister revealed that eight new water tankers had been ordered to assist residents being af-fected by water outages. The tankers are expected to arrive in the island within the next few weeks, and would bring the total number to 13.

He continued: “The BWA has also developed the St. Philip Water Aug-mentation project to alleviate water shortages in St. Philip and Christ Church. The project, which will be commissioned on Wednesday next week, will give the BWA an access to an additional 3.5 million gallons of water per day. Some of the water found will be channeled to St. Joseph via the Bowmanston pumping station in St. John.

“Additionally, the BWA has refurbished a well at Groves in St. George, which should produce an additional 0.5 million gallons of water to the Golden Ridge/Castle Grant System to supply the northern parishes. A new pumping station at the Lazaretto has been completed to push desalinated water down the west coast and into St. Peter and St. Lucy.”

Dr. Estwick also disclosed that two temporary packaged desalination plants have been ordered to augment the supply of fresh water.

“These plants will be in Barbados in a few weeks and will be incorporat-ed into the permanent desalination plants to be constructed. The Barbados Water Authority’s Board has been instructed to call an emergency Board meeting and use its emergency procurement provisions to approve the con-struction of two 6MGD (six million gallons per day) desalination plants in the northwest of Barbados,” he stated.

Minister outlines government’s cure for Barbados water ills!

Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resources Manager, Dr. David Estwick.


Barbados, situated just east of the Caribbean Sea, is a West Indian continen-tal island-nation in the western Atlantic Ocean. Its total land area is about 430 square kilometres or 166 square miles, the terrain is flat, with Mount Hillaby being the highest point at some 340 meters above sea level. Bridgetown is the capital and the country is divided into 11 parishes.

The geology of Barbados is such that approximately 70-75% is coral-limestone and 25-30% is clay.

The delivery of piped water in Barbados has been in existence for almost 160 years.

It all started with a privately-owned company, the Bridgetown Waterworks Company in 1857, followed by another, the Barbados Water Supply Company in 1886.

In 1895, the Government felt it was prudent to take over the management water and bought out the shares of both companies, due to conflicts that had arisen between the two over the Bowmanston/Everton water catchment areas.

This led to the creation of the Barbados Waterworks Department. However on April 1, 1981 the government officially changed the Barbados Waterworks Department to a government-owned statutory corporation the Barbados Water Authority (BWA).

This meant that the operations of The Barbados Water Authority were no lon-ger being managed by central government, but by a Board of Directors whose mandate was to make the BWA financially viable and sustainable.

The BWA was handed the responsibility for managing, allocating and moni-toring the island water resources to ensure their best development, utilization, conversation and protection in the public interest. It was also charged with re-sponsibility for designing, constructing, acquiring, provisioning, operating and maintaining water and sewerage works for the purpose of supplying water for public purposes and the receiving, treating and disposing of sewage respective-ly.

The BWA obtains its water supply from 20 groundwater wells, two springs and one privately-owned reverse osmosis desalination plant. This water is dis-tributed through a network consisting of approximately 3,200 kilometres of wa-ter mains, 30 reservoirs located both under and above ground and 17 re-pump-ing stations (booster-pumps).

The sewage system consists of two treatment plants, the Bridgetown Plant (a secondary treatment facility) and the South Coast Plant (a primary treatment facility).

The collection system for Bridgetown consists of four lift sta-tions and the South Coast has five. There is also a seawater pumping station which pumps water to the Bridgetown plant which is then used to generate chlorine for disinfection of the effluent.

Barbados ranks 15th for water scar-city among all countries in the world — approximately 1,000 cubic metres of water are consumed per capita per year, while available water resources are only 350 cubic metres per capita per year.

The country is almost completely de-pendent on groundwater from aquifer sources, as there is very little surface wa-ter. There is almost universal coverage both for drinking water service and for sewerage and excreta disposal facilities.

The issue of water scarcity is a pressing matter in Barbados. The ag-riculture and domestic sectors are the two largest water users in Barbados, with tourism becoming accountable for a growing amount of the water consumed nationally.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergen-cy Management Agency (CDEMA) had Barbados on drought watch until

March 2016 along with seven other territories in the region. The year 2015 was the driest year on record for the Eastern Caribbean and

CDEMA and the BWA met to come up with a sustainable plan to ensure water delivery and water storage.

On March, 21st 2010 the Government of Barbados (GOB) signed a US$50 mil-lion loan from the Inter-America Development Bank (IDB) for the Water and Sanitation Systems Upgrade (WSSU) Project.

The project became eligible for first disbursement on May 18, 2011 and it is scheduled to be completed by March 2016.

The goal of the Project is to improve water resources management in Barba-dos and the sustainable water and wastewater service provision by the BWA.

Specifically, the Project will support the Government of Barbados’s (GOB) ef-forts to modernize the institutional setting of the water and sanitation sector and improve water production infrastructure and efficiency of the operations of the BWA by reducing the Non-Revenue-Water (NRW) and implementing adequate cost recovery mechanisms.

This objective will be achieved through the execution of three components of the project:• The reorganization and modernization of the BWA through institutional

strengthening. • The rehabilitation of the potable water supply through Non-Revenue Water

(NRW) reduction, upgrade of potable water facilities, the installation of best practice water industry Management Information Systems (MIS) and equip-ment upgrades and energy efficient alternatives including renewable energy.

• A wastewater treatment action plan and equipment and systems upgrade.For the first time in its history, the BWA has undertaken a project the magni-

tude of the WSSU, which placed the BWA in an exciting transitional period as it seeks to move to a first world water utility company.

The BWA made its intentions clear as to the importance of this project to the sustainability of the BWA by creating a Project Execution Unit (PEU) whose sole purpose was the execution of this project.

The unit comprised of a team contracted from the private sector along with some BWA personnel so that the sole focus of the PEU would be on project ex-ecution.

The objectives of the project have been impacted, but not slowed, by water challenges in the north of the island, which has impacted on the resources of the BWA. But suffice to say that the PEU was (at the end of 2015) firmly on target to meet the project deadline of March 2016.

In respect to the institutional strengthening, the WSSU project conducted a Management and Operations Audit and the outputs from that study will guide the long term business plan, the long term customer plan, benchmark perfor-mance standards, implementation of a new organizational structure and pre-pare the organization for the change management process.

Under institutional strengthening, the BWA as of September 8, 2014 is regu-lated by the Fair Trading Commission (FTC). This is a bold move, but it reaf-firms the BWA’s commitment to financial viability and sustainability.

With regard to the BWA’s internal administration, the aim is to eventually create a paperless organization which comprehensively manages information and records through the Enterprise Document Management System or EDMS.

This system is currently being developed (under WSSU) and will integrate with the Customer Information System (CIS) and the Financial Information Sys-tem (FIS) which are being developed through a public-private partnership and will together form the BWA Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) along with the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) and the Geographical In-formation System (GIS), which are also being implemented under WSSU project.

Non-Revenue Water is categorized as unbilled authorized consumption, apparent losses (inaccurate meters/readings or theft) and real losses (leaks on mains or losses from reservoirs). Under the WSSU project this should be re-duced largely due to the following measures (i) the replacement of 36 out of 70 mechanical production meters at our production (pumping and re-pumping) sites with non-moving parts meters which will provide us with a more accurate measure of the water that is produced and (ii) the replacement of forty-nine ki-lometres (49 km) of major transmission mains.

Figure 1: Existing Electrical Starter at Alleynedale

Figure 2: New Electrical Starters for Alleynedale - Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with Main Distribution Panel

Figure 1: Existing Electrical Starter at Alleynedale

Figure 2: New Electrical Starters for Alleynedale - Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with Main Distribution Panel

Barbados examining Alternative Sources of Primary Energy and Standby Power

(A Special Feature on the Barbados Water Authority’s Water and Sanitation Systems Upgrade Project)



Continued from Page 10

Additionally, the initiative taken by the BWA under another loan to replace more than 90,000 residential mechanical meters with non-moving parts meters with a higher accuracy and the ability to be remotely read, will also have a posi-tive effect on the NRW. It is anticipated that these measures will account for a 10% reduction on the NRW, which was reported to be as high as 49% in 2010.

The 49 km of mains being replaced under the WSSU project which spread the parishes of St. Thomas, St. Joseph, St. John, St. Lucy, St. George, Christ Church, St. Michael and St. Philip will not only positively affect the NRW, but will also positively impact the water supply to parts of the north-eastern parishes which have been experiencing severe water problems for over a decade.

At February 2016, 87% of the mains had been installed.The 49 km were divided into three packages, ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’; 16 km have

been apportioned to Package ‘A’ which is being executed by the BWA’s Capital Works Unit, 19 km to Package ‘B’ and 14 km to Package ‘C’ which are being in-stalled by the joint venture JADA Builders Inc./Direct Tech Inc.

is noteworthy that Package ‘A’ by the BWA is an opportunity for the BWA workers to be fully involved in internationally funded mains installations and replacement projects in the future.

In order for the successful implementation of the 49 km given the WSSU proj-ect deadlines and the peculiarity that surrounded some of the installation areas, new mains laying technology was introduced to Barbados, Trenchless Installa-

tion Methodology which consisted of Horizontal Directional Drilling and Pipe bursting.

Horizontal Directional Drilling is a trenchless method of installing under-ground pipelines along a prescribed path by the use of a surface-launched drill-ing rig. In this process, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is used. The HDPE pipe is fused beforehand creating a long continuous pipe run which al-lows for immediate installation as the drill head traverses underground pulling the pipe behind it. GPS tracking of the drill head during installation allows for accuracy when locating the pipeline in the future.

Pipe bursting, as the name suggests, is a method which fractures an existing pipeline with the use of a ‘Bursting or Pull head’ being drawn through the pipe-line causing displacement of the fragments outwards into the surrounding soil. This activity provides adequate clearance to allow the immediate installation of a new pipeline which is connected to the rear of the ‘pull head’.

Research has shown that 99% of the BWA’s energy consumption is related to the production of water and that 98% of the total expenses in electricity was related to energy and fuel cost.

With such high figures, the BWA has to adopt innovative energy initiatives/technologies and policies, if it wants to be financially viable and sustainable.

All the energy consumed by the BWA is generated by The Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P Co.), which is currently the sole electricity provid-er on the island.

BL&P Co. uses steam and gas turbines and diesel engines to generate electricity, importing most of its diesel and bunker “C” fuel to do this from Trinidad.

With the uncer-tainty in world energy prices and a growing international focus on climate change and the level of the per-

centages mentioned previously, the BWA is forced to look at al-ternative source(s) of primary energy and standby power as well as improving the ef-ficiency of its opera-tions. The aim of the WSSU is to reduce energy cost by at least 5%.

This energy reduc-tion is targeted by the installation of a 150 kW PV system at the Bridgetown Sewer-age Treatment Plant (BSTP); the purchase of a 1,000kVA standby generator rated for prime continuous op-

eration at 800 kVA; the conversion of a diesel only stationary generator to a dual fuel natural gas/biodiesel at the BWA second largest station, the purchase and installation of energy efficient equipment such as the installation of 94 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), 9 energy efficient pumps for the potable water section and 16 VFDs and pumps for the wastewater section and the implementation of SCADA.

A fully operating SCADA system is critical to the energy reduction objective of the BWA because the availability of real time data on reservoir levels, pres-sure and flows within the water network will allow the BWA through the VFDs to slow down or stop pumps to avoid overflows and wasted energy. Almost all water that is consumed is pumped so any reduction in pumping reduces the

energy cost. Addi-tionally, the SCADA allows the BWA to be more proactive in its operations by having a real-time awareness of poten-tial equipment fail-ure and to respond quickly to issues fac-ing the public which leads to better effi-ciency.

The Island-wide Geographic Informa-tion System or GIS

system informs the Authority which areas will be specifically affected by pump failure, bursts or shut-downs due to maintenance or upgrades.

Calibration of the Hydraulic Network Model - This is a digital replica of the distribution network or pipe network which enables better management of the operating systems via computer modelling simulations. This lends to the plan-ning and evaluation of various distribution scenarios making the BWA more proactive, efficient and effective in serving customers. The calibrated model will be a tool to actively manage the water system to:

• Predict changes• Plan future improvements• Develop water quality modelUnder the leadership of David Estwick, Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fish-

eries and Water Resource Management., the BWA Board of Directors, Manage-ment and Staff must be commended for their foresight and the continued devel-opment of the BWA as a leader in the water sector within the region.

In addition to the WSSU project, the BWA has also embarked on other initia-tives in its quest to be financially viable and sustainable through public-private-partnership arrangements like the IONICS pipeline project which has provided the BWA with the ability to deliver water to areas that had frequently experience water shortages through the installation of nineteen kilometres (19 km) of water mains.

There was also the Saint Philip and Christ Church Water Augmentation Proj-ect another public-private partnership which has added three million (3,000,000) US gallons of water daily to the network to ensure that the BWA achieves its mandate.

The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank approved at its Board meeting of December 10, 2015 a loan of US $39.5 million to the Govern-ment of Barbados for the BWA.

This loan will see the upgrade of facilities and see the continuation of the NRW and energy efficiency and alternatives programs started under the WSSU project.

All these initiatives have been a result of the acceptance of change by both management and staff of the BWA and with the support of the workers unions who have also embraced the change as the BWA takes a quantum leap in mak-ing the move to a first world water utility company.

Barbados examining Alternative Sources of Primary Energy and Standby Power

Figure 9: VFDs and SCADA Control Panel at River Road

Figure 10: VFDs and SCADA Control Cabinet at White Park Road

Figure 11: Package A Mains Replacement - Old Main and New Main back filled

Figure 12: Package A Mains Replacement

Figure 13: Pipe Bursting Starting

Figure 14: Pipe Entering Existing Main during Pipe Bursting

Figure 15: Continuation of Pipe Entering Existing Main

Figure 16: Horizontal Directional Drill

Figure 13: Pipe Bursting Starting

Figure 14: Pipe Entering Existing Main during Pipe Bursting

Figure 15: Continuation of Pipe Entering Existing Main

Figure 16: Horizontal Directional Drill

Figure 9: VFDs and SCADA Control Panel at River Road

Figure 10: VFDs and SCADA Control Cabinet at White Park Road

Figure 11: Package A Mains Replacement - Old Main and New Main back filled

Figure 12: Package A Mains Replacement

(A Special Feature on the Barbados Water Authority’s Water and Sanitation Systems Upgrade Project)


The Water and Sewerage Company Inc launched the John Compton Dam Rehabilitation Project in association with the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The Dam was built with a reservoir to accommodate three million cubic metres of water, which is equivalent to 660,000, 000 gallons of water. How-ever, following Hurricane Tomas, an assessment indicated that the dam was compromised by 1.1 million cubic metres of silt.

The December 2013, Trough disaster worsened the situation, bringing the level of silt to 1.5 million cubic metres. The objective of the project is to restore the reservoir to its capacity.

The project will involve, primarily, the dredging of sediments form the reservoir and proper disposal of it at an engineered site, water augmenta-tion, infrastructural rehabilitation, and includes water shed restoration and management.

With more than 93,000 residents and the many businesses that operate in the northern districts having to endure severe water shortages, due to the underperforming dam, residents, hotels, schools, and medical facilities within the serviced area have had to cope with disruptive rationing. The restoration of the reservoir would be most welcome.

In addition, the Government of Saint Lucia, in an effort to bring a holistic, element of relief to the Island, on Wednesday 25th November launched The Vieux Fort Water Supply Redevelopment Project.

This collaborative process between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Saint Lucia will bring a reliable supply of potable water to over 19,000 people residing in the town of Vieux Fort.

The Vieux Fort Water Supply Redevelopment Project, which is overseen by WASCO, involves the construction of an intake, a new fully equipped water treatment plant, a pump station, transmission mainlines and treated water storage tanks.

John Compton Dam Rehabilitation Project launch will take place near the Dam site in Millet and the Vieux Fort Water Supply Redevelopment Project will probably like at the Vieux Fort National Skills Development Centre (NSDC).

Both projects are earmarked to be underway by the first quarter of 2016. Meanwhile, WASCO has also announced the launching of two other proj-ects in Saint Lucia.

The company has also announced the launch of the Micoud and Desruis-seaux Water Supply Redevelopment Project. The project is funded by the

WASCO projects launched at across Saint Lucia

At the end of 2015, the National Utilities Regulatory Commission Bill was debated and passed in both Houses of the Saint Lu-cia Parliament.

This Bill establishes the authority for the regulation of the water and electricity sec-tors by a multi-sector, independent regula-tory body.

The National Utilities Regulatory Commis-sion (or NURC as it is called) will be respon-sible for ensuring the economic regulation of utility supply services, as well as for estab-lishing, approving, monitoring and reviewing tariff schemes and tariffs

The NURC will also be charged with monitoring and ensuring compli-ance with standards, promoting the economic regulation of utility sup-ply services and ensuring the protection of the interest of consumers in relation to the provisions of the utility supply service.

The NURC will also be promoting competition and monitoring anti-competitive practices in the utility supply service, as well as reporting to and advising the Minister with responsibility for Public Utilities on the economic, financial, legal, technical, environmental and social aspects of the utility supply services sector.

The National Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, No. 3 of 2016, makes provision for the appointment of between five and seven com-missioners to oversee the operations of the NURC.

Consequently, the following persons have been appointed by the Min-ister, effective Monday 8th February, 2016 to serve for periods ranging between three and five years on the first National Utilities Regulatory Commission: Mr. Victor Poyotte – Chairman, Dr. Barbara Graham, Mr. Desmond Destang, Mr. Vern Gill, Dr. Anderson Reynolds, Mrs. Marie Monrose and Mr. Michael Sewador.

The NURC replaces the National Water and Sewerage Commis-sion, which previously was responsible for the regulation of the water sector.

New National Utilities Regulatory Commission established in Saint Lucia

European Union (EU) in the amount € 810,000 EUR to the beneficiary of Saint Lucia, the National Authorising Officer (NAO). The Water and Sewer-age Company Inc, which acts as the project supervisor.

The Desruisseaux Intake was built with a reservoir to accommodate 864 cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to 190,000 (UK) imperial gallons per day of water. However, following Hurricane Tomas in 2010, an assess-ment indicated that the intake was severely compromised.

The Christmas Eve December 2013 Trough disaster worsened the situa-tion. It therefore became necessary to rehabilitate the intake and upgrade the treatment process.

This phase of the project involves construction of an intake plant at Des-ruisseaux, rehablitation and upgrades of the treament plant, replenishment of sand in the filter, supply and replacement of missing parts of treament plant, procure and installation of lamellas at the Desruisseaux treament plant to imporve process.

The project will develop a more effective channel for raw water to the treatment plant and a more resilient system to weather events thereby im-proving the reliablity of service and it becoming more consist.

In Micoud, the project seeks to increase the water treatment plant capac-ity by 1,364 million cubic meters or 300,038 imperial gallons and improved resilience of the treatment process to turbid waters caused by erosion and/or landslides during rain events.

The objective is to improve access with a consistent and sustainable sup-ply of safe drinking water in the Micoud community and invloves construc-tion of a clarifier, filter and renonation work to the grounds at the Micoud Treatment Plant.

The aformentoned project will be undertaken through WASCO and will target the Micoud and Desruisseaux communities which are towards the south of the island and frequently experience an inconsistent water supply caused either by drought or turbidity.

More specifically, the project aims to: increase the capacity of the Micoud slow sand treatment plant in order to provide a more consistent supply of safe drinking water, increase the raw water supply in Desruisseaux via the construction of an intake at affirmentioned, and provide appropriate infra-structure for water treatment at Desruisseaux to withstand seasonal condi-tions such as natural disasters. Both Micoud and Desruisseaux are expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2016.

WASCO has undertaken several projects across Saint Lucia, but among the most urgent for 2016 is de-silting of the John Compton Dam and restoring its reservoir capacity, especially in light of the drought conditions predicted for much of 2016.


To mention the Caribbean is to conjure up images of sun, sand and sea. Yet the island region’s reputation for crystalline blue waters washes over a critical prob-lem for many of its 30 territories: water scarcity. Hard as it might be to believe, water-related risks in picture-postcard Caribbean islands such as Saint Lucia, Bar-bados, Antigua and Jamaica compare to those in the Western Sahara and parts of the Middle East, according to the World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct rankings.

Some islands, such as Curaçao and Aruba, simply lack decent rainfall. For most, however, it’s a case of “feast or famine” between wet and dry seasons, observes Paul Choules, senior vice president of business development at Water Standard, a Houston-based water treatment firm.

In addition, changes in weather patterns in the Caribbean due to climate change are exacerbating existing water challenges. “Places are not getting rain where they used to get rain, and places are getting rain where they [used not] to”, Choules says.

Desalination is not new to the Caribbean, but extracting clean water from sea-water is becoming an increasingly integral part of the region’s search for water security. Since 2007, 68 new desalination plants have been built across the Carib-bean, which now boasts an installed capacity of 782,000 cubic metres of purified water per day, according to the Caribbean Desalination Association (CaribDA).

Some islands, such as St. Martin, St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands, where UK-based water treatment firm Biwater just inaugurated a new $43m (£28m) plant with a 10,400 cubic metres daily capacity, are almost entirely de-pendent on the technology for their domestic water supply.

“A lot of these islands could not survive without desalination. Their overall economies would collapse”, says Choules, who describes the technology as a “drought-proof solution” in a world facing ever more erratic weather patterns.

Counting the costs of freshwaterDesalination isn’t without its challenges, however. By far the biggest and

most obvious relates to energy consumption. Huge amounts of power are re-quired to operate commercial-scale desalination – power that is often produced by importing expensive fossil fuels.

With large natural gas deposits offshore, Trinidad and Tobago is a rare excep-tion to such import dependency. The fact that the twin island country is home to the largest reverse osmosis desalination plant in the Western hemisphere – De-salcott – is therefore perhaps no coincidence.

“We’ve got industry that can afford to pay for it [desalinated water] and large water demand … but desalination in general is relatively expensive, [so] it’s more difficult for small islands that don’t have the industry”, says John Thomp-son, general manager of Desalcott and president of industry group CaribDA.

Energy typically amounts to one-third of a typical plant’s operating costs, increasing to as much as two-thirds in some cases, says Thompson. Being quick to adopt energy-efficiency innovations has therefore become a hallmark for the region’s desalination operators.

It’s a view echoed by Gerard Pereira, vice president of engineering at Consoli-dated Water, a desalination firm based in the Cayman Islands where electricity costs around $0.40 per kilowatt hour – more than four times the price in the US. “Just out of necessity, we design and build the most efficient plants in the world”, says Pereira.

Consolidated Water was among the early adopters of isobaric energy recov-ery devices, which Pereira credits for helping recover up to 98% of the unused energy in the waste streams of desalination plants.

The Grenadine islands of Petite Martinique and Curaçao, meanwhile, recent-ly installed two solar-power desalination plants in a $2.1m project part-funded by UK development agency DFID. “The Caribbean has tended to be where a lot of firsts have happened”, Pereira says, pointing out that Aruba and Curaçao built the first commercial desalination plants more than 80 years ago.

“Advances in membrane and pump technologies present further ways of re-ducing desalination’s energy requirements, but the sense from industry experts is that many of the big energy-saving wins may already have been had.

“There is a thermodynamic limit for desalination”, says David Maingot, re-gional sales manager at LG NanoH20, a manufacturer of nanocomposite mem-brane technology that has carried out about 20 retrofits in the Caribbean over the last three years. “We’re getting close to that, so it’s kind of limiting unless you change the actual reverse osmosis technology.” (Continued on Page 15)

Caribbean Water Crisis Forcing Long-term Reliance on Desalination

Caribbean water supply challenges are exacerbated by climate change and variability manifested as severe and protracted dry seasons and more intense rain events. High intensity rainfall events and more intense storms and hurricanes increase the potential of damage to water supply infrastruc-ture through flooding and landslides (Bates et al. 2008, Cashman 2012). Damaged water infrastructure in turn can lead to impaired water quality with resultant human health effects.

Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) is currently being promoted across the Ca-ribbean region as a key low cost and low technology water supply augmen-tation method. It is seen as a means to improve resilience to water related climate impacts at both, the national and community level. While prevalent in the past, there are only approximately 500,000 persons currently in the Caribbean who depend at least partially on RWH.

Action takenAs threats from climate change and variability become more tangible,

GWP-C, along with other national regional and international organisations, is working to reintroduce and mainstream RWH in the Caribbean. Agen-cies have focused on RWH knowledge sharing and capacity building along with the creation of an enabling environment for RWH, and the develop-ment and enhancement of suitable frameworks, policies, and legislation. A regional programme for promoting RWH in the Caribbean was developed in 2006 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute/the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CEHI/CARPHA) (The Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) 2006).

Regional and international agencies have executed a number of demon-stration projects to showcase and promote RWH for domestic, agricultural and industrial use. For example, a Food and Agriculture Organization-run project in South St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, for instance, facilitated the purchase of reduced cost RWH equipment and the creation of credit facilities via a revolving door fund.

Recent knowledge sharing activities include a regional RWH Forum held in Saint Lucia in October 2014. This forum was hosted by GWP-C and re-gional partners and consisted of presentations, field visits, and group ac-tivities. The forum was attended by country delegates, representatives from GWP-Mediterranean and GWP-Central America as well as staff from re-gional and international organizations.

Lessons learnt• The development of a regional programme for RWH in 2006 by one of the

regional agencies has helped guide, coordinate, and shape the regional RWH agenda and activities for a number of the agencies, including GWP-C. While funding for the entire programme has never been realised, re-gional agencies have been able to implement aspects incrementally as smaller pockets of funding become available. Thus, overarching refer-ence frameworks are recommended.

• Knowledge sharing has been successfully advanced by the utilisation of multiple media and multiple approaches including videos, online tool boxes, demonstration models, manuals, lectures, and exhibits. Ap-proaches have been tailored to the specific audience, for example, physi-cal models have worked best with younger audiences.

• Capacity building for communities that have incorporated business train-ing has furthered the replication of RWH as trainees have pursued RWH installation as a business initiative.

• Another area that requires more focus is the development of a market for specialised RWH equipment as supplies are often difficult to obtain and maintenance services are often unavailable. The business sector, as well as the region at large, will therefore greatly benefit from the development of RWH products and services, inclusive of equipment installation and maintenance (From: UNwater.org)

Mainstreaming Rainwater Harvesting to Build Caribbean Water Climate Resilience

Caribbean countries face a number of challenges in maintaining adequate supplies of water for their populations. Challenges range from low annual

rainfall levels to inadequate storage, polluted water sources, and poor management of existing water resources.

— By The Guardian (UK) —

Drinking water delivery in Shirley Heights, Antigua. Water-related risks in Caribbean islands such as Antigua and Barbados compare to those in the Western Sahara and parts of the Middle East. Photograph: Art Directors & TRIP/Alamy.


CAWASA’s successful Human Resource Management Summit in Saint Lucia, held from February 29 to March 1, was well-attended by participants from across the region. The training focused on industry-specific issues and addressed real-world problems for the attending human resources profes-sionals in the regional Water & Sewerage sectors. The theme was ‘Perfor-mance, Accountability and Excellence – The HR Strategic Mix’. The training was facilitated by Ms. Sheree Baron of IMS Consultancy in Canada, with support from Mr. Lesmond Magloire of Saint Lucia, who presented on ‘Oc-cupational Health and Safety’. Photos show participants receiving their cer-tificates. (Photos by Marius Modeste)

Highlights from Closing Ceremony of German Water Loss Reduction Workshop

Highlights from CAWASA's HR Summit

in Saint Lucia



The action packed two-day event, held February 29 and March 1 at the Palm Haven Hotel in Gros Islet, was designed with specific H/R concerns as top priority.

The opening ceremony was addressed by CAWASA’s Executive Direc-tor Ignatius Jean. It was also attended by CAWASA administrative staff, as well as participants from around the region.

The lead event facilitator was Ms. Sheree Baron, Director of Operations at the IMS Business Academy in Canada, who is well-versed in the varied demands placed on the Water & Sewerage Human Resources professionals.

The other facilitator was Mr William Lesmond Magloire, who is a Saint Lucian an Occupational Health & Safety Consultant. The meeting also aimed to provide useful information that will be relevant to each at-tendee.Participants learned techniques for managing busy schedules and demanding personnel.

The organizers created six Learning Streams and two Personal Devel-opment Sessions, each with highly relevant topics addressing current is-sues and challenges the Sewage & Water Human Resources professional manage on a daily basis.

The two Personal Development sessions provided opportunities for participants to explore relaxation, stress and time management techniques to develop their own strategy for personal success!

The key benefits of the Conference saw each Participant Understand the changing environment of Human

Resources Management. They also identified their role as H/R profes-sionals and learned skills, tools and techniques to apply to daily work routines.

Each participating organization enjoyed the benefits of improved em-ployee morale, improvement in H/R employee decision making, H/R strategic planning and problem solving.

Each Learning Stream offered solutions in the form of tools, skills and techniques that adapted to the work environment.

Following the summit, participants are expected to be better able to plan strategically, mange the unexpected, inspire calm and maintain order in day-to-day operations and unexpected crisis situations.

Participants are now also better equipped to support organizational strategic Human Resource Management objectives and contribute to the competitive advantages of their organization by enhancing internal com-munication and job satisfaction.

Individual learning outcomes included: Demonstration of increased confidence and control in face-to-face or small group meetings; improve-ment of communication with various departments of the organization and creation of a work environment that is supportive to the unique needs of all employees. (More on Page 14)

CAWASA hosts HR Management Summit in Saint Lucia

Clive Hippolyte, Senior Engineer and CDB-BNTF official at the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) and representatives of WASCO and other agencies, are seen here explaining to residents of Perou, La Croix Maingot, the aims and objectives of the five water enhancement projects being funded by the CDB on the island. The projects will eventually take water to 25 households in Perou, but the mains will also be connected to more homes in the

other four areas, taking water to many more families in the five communities involved.

CDB funding for Saint Lucia Water Supply Enhancement Project


Wildlife concernsAlongside its dependency on expensive – not to mention carbon-intensive

– power supply, environmentalists have raised concerns over the impacts of large-scale desalination on marine life. In particular, open intakes of seawater can cause fish and other larger organisms to become trapped.

A potentially safer alternative lies in subsurface intakes from coastal aqui-fers, a technique that extracts seawater from beneath the seafloor or beaches.

This is now being carried out in a handful of Caribbean locations (PDF) where site conditions are suitable.

CaribDA’s Thompson admits that desalination is no panacea. Ideally it should constitute only “one choice out of a number of options”, he says, and not necessarily the top one either. However, while desalination may be more expensive and energy-intensive than some options, desalination remains the crucial answer to freshwater access in regions with heavy dry seasons.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared on February 18, 2015.)

Caribbean Water Crisis Forcing Long-term Reliance on Desalination

For the period April to June, normal to above normal rainfall is expected over most of the Caribbean, except for Cuba and Jamaica where there is much uncer-tainty. The highest certainty for above normal rainfall is over the Windward Islands. It is expected that most of the abnormality in rainfall will occur over the latter part of the three month period, likely accompanied by more intense rainfall events than normal, particularly in the southern portion of the eastern Caribbean. However, rainfall for the period July to September is expected to be normal to below normal over the eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico, southern Hispaniola and Belize. The north-west Caribbean in the vicinity of The Bahamas and Cuba are expected to be normal to above normal as was

Apart from Belize that is likely to experience drought impacts into April/May, the western Caribbean should have very little impacts due to dry conditions, as rain-fall levels have been normal to above normal and are expected to continue in this manner into the wet season. The impacts for the wet season in western areas, is likely to be associated with excessive rainfall, and farmers should consider measures for such eventuality.

The likelihood for below normal rainfall in the eastern half of the Caribbean during July to September suggests the possibility for period of plant water stress. Certainly, if a La Niña does develop later in the wet season, as is increasingly possible, the entire Carib-bean may have to brace for an above normal second half to the wet season. As the wet sea-son approaches farmers will be kept up to date on the seasonal outlooks and implications.

Forecast Implications for Agriculture - Farmers in the eastern Caribbean, includ-ing the Guianas should continue to plan for below normal rainfall until the end of April, and into May. These conditions are quite likely to be accompanied by higher than normal temperatures, enhancing evaporative loss and low water availability. This would make irrigation necessary at least until April 2016, if not into May, as the rains are highly unlikely to satisfy crop demand. In cases where there is some irrigation, farmers would have to decide on the area to be farmed, such that the more limiting water can satisfy some cropping. Rainwater Harvesting and storage of wa-ter, where feasible, would enhance irrigation supplies. Other soil water conservation methods such as mulching and flat beds (instead of raised ones) would help in such conditions. It is however increasingly possible that rainfall would begin to increase to satisfactory levels into May. This is particularly so in most of the northern islands.

Certainly, planting for rain-fed farmers would then be recommended, noting that as the region enters the wet season, flood impacts may well increase as the season progresses.Apart from Belize that is likely to experience drought impacts into April/May, the western Caribbean should have very little impacts due to dry conditions, as rainfall levels have been normal to above normal and are expected to continue in this manner into the wet season. The impacts for the wet season in western areas, is likely to be associated with excessive rainfall, and farmers should consider measures for such eventuality.

The likelihood for below normal rainfall in the eastern half of the Caribbean dur-ing July to September suggests the possibility for period of plant water stress.

Certainly, if a La Niña does develop later in the wet season, as is increasingly possible, the entire Caribbean may have to brace for an above normal second half to the wet season.

As the wet season approaches farmers will be kept up to date on the seasonal outlooks and implications. (Source Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hy-drology (CIMH)

Regional overview on Seasonal Climate Forecasts



Findings from a 2013 Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) assessment show that electricity costs account for up to 40 percent of the annual operat-ing budgets of some water and wastewater utilities in the Caribbean water sector.

Yet energy costs are among the most controllable operating expenses for water and wastewater utilities.

Last week in Antigua and Barbuda, on December 2 and 3, 2015, 40 CEOs, investors and experts in the Water Sector gathered at the Second Carib-bean Water Leaders Summit to discuss how to tackle energy challenges in regional water and wastewater utilities. They also explored opportunities and techniques for improving energy efficiency and shared lessons learned from their national operations through panel sessions, workshops and prac-tical learning sessions.

CDB and the Global Water Leaders Group co-hosted the event, along with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, the Caribbean Water and Sew-erage Association Inc., and the Global Environment Facility – Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management.

“Improving energy efficiency is recognized as being central to strategies to reduce water utilities’ operating costs,” said Edward Greene, Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division. “For many countries in the Carib-bean Region, a more energy-efficient water sector could have significant environmental and economic benefits.”

Energy efficiency in the Water Sector could help tackle some of the Carib-bean Region’s most pressing water-related challenges by:• Addressing scarcity and shortages exacerbated by climate change• Lowering energy costs and freeing up dollars for company or govern-

ment spending elsewhere such as customer service improvements or other sectors

• Improving water and wastewater facilities’ performance • Addressing public health challenges caused by waterborne illnesses and

water treatment issues• Reducing air pollution by decreasing water and wastewater utilities’ reli-

ance on fossil fuels for energyAt the event, participants heard from some of the world’s leading water

experts, who shared best practices for using energy audits to achieving en-ergy efficiency, and optimising markets for wastewater by-products.

In addition, the water leaders created action plans to tackle issues and seize opportunities in their national water sectors. The plans identified goals and strategies for implementation, and will help guide the Region’s water leaders in creating sustainable water solutions at home.

The participants also shared their perspectives and vision for more ef-ficient water sectors in their countries and in the Caribbean Region.

“How do we continue to provide a safe water supply; water that is avail-able for all—not just for today but also for the future? We need to look at waste and wastewater as a resource and look to place water utilities on a sustainable financial framework,” said Chris Corbin, Programme Officer, United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Coordinating Unit.

“We need to look at the issue of energy generation from waste and we are looking at a menu of opportunities for addressing our energy needs. By 2030, we should have a level of access and a quality product, which all Guyanese and all visiting persons who come to Guyana can benefit from,” said Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Wa-ter Inc.

“Once there is a reduction in the energy costs, then you will have more funds available to do other things. You will be able to have a better water system to supply customers. You will be able to give more to the commu-nity—and also do more for the staff,” Tanisha Shuttleworth, General Man-ager, Dynamic Environmental Management Limited, a private-sector water utility in Jamaica.

Regional Water Leaders Gather in Antigua for Summit

“To improve our financial performance, and provide for reinvestment and development, we are going to have to be more efficient. Energy is a cross-cutting issue for all the islands, for the entire sector and we have to find common strategies to address it,” said Christopher Husbands, General Manager, National Water and Sewerage Authority, Grenada.

The Second Caribbean Water Leaders Summit follows a successful inau-gural event in Barbados in 2014, which CDB also supported. The theme for this year’s event was “Leaders Charting New Waters: Water Utility Pros-perity through Energy Efficiency.”

During the Summit, water leaders created action plans to tackle issues and seize opportunities in their national water sectors.

40 CEOs, investors and experts in the Water Sector on the opening day of the Second Caribbean Water Leaders

Summit held in Antigua and Barbuda, December 2-3, 2015.



Regional Water Leaders Gather in Antigua for SummitContinued from Page 16


World Water Day 2016

For the first time, the United Nations World Water Development Report was not only launched in English on World Water day, but also in Spanish and French for 2016.

The Executive summary of the Report was also made available in all six UN languages as well as in Italian, Portuguese and Hindi.

The report, as in previous years, was launched on 22nd March 2016 during the official World Water Day celebrations this year, held in ILO Headquarters in Geneva.

To disseminate the key findings and add momentum to the official launch, briefing session were hosted in Paris on 24 March and in New York on 29 March.

In parallel various regional events on the topic ‘Water and Jobs’ were also hosted globally.The United Nations World Water Development Report 2016, titled "Water and Jobs" con-

tains the latest findings, fact and figures. (Follow UN-Water on Twitterand FaceBook to learn more.)

An estimated three out of four jobs that make up the global workforce are either heavily or moderately dependent on water. This means that water shortages and problems of access to water and sanitation could limit eco-nomic growth and job creation in the coming decades, according to the 2016 edition of the World Water Developement Report.

The report notes that half of the world's workers - 1.5 billion people - are employed in eight water and natural resource-dependent industries1. “Water and jobs are inextricably linked on various levels, whether we look at them from an economic, environmental or social perspective. This edition of the World Water Development Report breaks new ground by addressing the pervasive relationship between water and jobs to an extent not yet seen in any other report”, said the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.

Launched on World Water Day, and in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the report demonstrates the key role water will play in the transition to a green economy. “This analysis highlights the fact that water is work – it requires workers for its safe management and at the same time it can create work and improve conditions. If the 2030 Agen-da is to be a success and we are to build together a sustainable future, we must ensure that work in water is decent and that the water we all rely on is safe,” said Director-General of the ILO and Chair of UN-Water, Guy Ryder. Water as a driver of growth

From its extraction to its return to the environment, via numerous uses, water is a key factor in the creation of jobs. “Estimating the relationship of water with economic growth and jobs is particularly challenging,” the Report states, emphasising that there is a lack of data, particularly when it comes to determining the extent to which jobs are dependent on water. Nevertheless, the report notes a number of studies that find correlations between water related investments and economic growth. Investment in small-scale projects providing access to safe water and basic sanitation in Africa could offer an estimated economic return of about US$28.4 billion a year, or nearly 5 % of gross domestic product (GDP) of the continent. Such investments also seem to have a beneficial effect on employment. In the United States, every US$1 million invested in the country’s traditional water supply and treatment infrastructure generates between 10 and 20 ad-ditional jobs. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis found that each job created in the local water and waste-water industry creates 3.68 indirect jobs in the national economy. Another study in Latin America found that investing US$1 billion in expanding the water supply and sanitation network would directly result in 100 000 jobs.

The transition to a greener economy, where water plays a central role, will also lead to more jobs. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 7.7 million people were already employed in re-newable energy in 2014. Water under pressure Exacerbated by the effects of climate change, there is increasing pressure on freshwater resources. The rate of groundwater withdrawals has increased by 1% per year since the 1980s. Between 2011 and 2050, global population is expected to increase by 33%, from 7 to 9 billion, while food demand will rise by 70% in the same period. Furthermore, the 5th assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts that for each degree of global warming, approximately 7% of the global population will face an almost 20 % decrease in renewable water resources. This projected shortage will call for non-conventional sources of water, such as rainwater harvesting, re-cycled wastewater and urban runoff. Use of these alternative water sources will create new jobs in research and technology development and in the implementation of their results. Developments in forecasting techniques, in risk assessment and the use of satellite imaging are some other potential ar-eas where better employment opportunities could lie. Water and Sanitation, “Help Wanted” Currently, according to the report, almost 1 % of the total workforce in both developed and developing countries currently work in

the water sectors – which includes water management, construction and in-frastructure maintenance, as well as water supply and sanitation. In recent decades, the number of people employed in water supply and wastewater treatment facilities has consistently decreased. The reasons: a lack of inter-est from new graduates in jobs in the water sector, lack of resources to hire and retain skilled staff, especially in the public sector, and an ageing work-force. In the United States alone, between 30 % and 50 % of the water utili-ties workforce will reach retirement age by 2020. Added to these challenges is the difficulty in attracting skilled workers to live and work in rural areas and the stigma associated with the sanitation sector as a whole. In some regions, such as West Africa, it is particularly difficult to attract workers to what is considered a degrading occupation.

Despite these challenges, the market for jobs in water supply and sanita-tion is promising and there is significant potential for growth. For example, in Bangladesh, Benin and Cambodia alone, nearly 20 million people living in rural areas should gain access to running water by 2025, which is six times the current number, and represents a potential economic impact worth as much US$90 million. Further, a study in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Peru and Tanzania reveals a potential for sanitation services worth US$700 million annually. The need for investment into aging and inefficient infrastructure is also a potential driver for employment in the sector. An estimated 30% of global water withdrawals are lost through leakage. In London the rate of loss is 25 % and in Norway 32%. In some countries, irrigation practices are either non-existent or outdated and result in poor agricultural productivity. In Africa for example, agriculture is mainly rain-fed and less than 10% of its cultivated land is currently under irrigation, holding back job creation.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Achieving the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development will require a keen understanding of key role of water in the world of work. Decent jobs are directly linked to water management, in areas such as providing water supply, infrastructure and waste management; and water-dependent sectors, such as agriculture, fishing, energy, industry and health. Moreover, access to improved drink-ing water and sanitation facilitates job creation and a healthy, educated and productive workforce which is the foundation for growth. Creating condi-tions that improve water productivity and favour the transition to a green economy, training more skilled workers in order to respond to increasing demands for labour in the water sectors are some of the points that the Re-port brings to the attention of the Governments to appropriately respond to the requirements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – notably number 6, specifically dedicated to water and sanitation.

Top UN officials participated in 2016 World Water Day activities in Geneva, where the new World Water Development Report was presented.

New World Water Development Report Says

Water Drives Job Creation and Economic Growth!

UN launched latest data on Water and Jobs around the World!