The Saint Lucia Government is requesting the full cooperation of the public in order to minimize the impact of the dry period.

The Government of Saint Lucia has declared a water-related emergency for all parts of the island, effective May 20 until July 31.

This type of emergency is declared when the Water Resource Management Agency has advised that a shortage or deficiency of water exists or may soon exist.

Hon. Dr. James Fletcher, minister with responsibility for the Public Service, Information, and Broadcasting said yesterday, during a National Address on the Measures to Deal with the Drought, that river flow rates around the island are below expected base-flow rates.

Consequently, government has taken several steps to reduce the impact of the dry period.

In the north of the island, the Vanard and Ravine Poisson intakes were re-activated; abstraction of water from the John Compton Dam will be reduced; thirteen major leaks on the raw water line from the dam to the Ciceron Treatment Plant are being repaired; a water source in Deglos will be activated; and temporary public standpipes will be installed in some of the most affected communities around the island.

In addition, the National Emergency Management Organization, (NEMO), will assist with trucking water to communities where water is urgently required.

However, for these measures to work, government is requesting the full cooperation of the public.

It advises that drinking water should not be used for washing vehicles and watering lawns or gardens; and that the washing of vehicles in rivers, should stop immediately in order to avoid contamination of water sources.

Government also wishes the public to note that tampering with WASCO’s infrastructure by opening WASCO’s valves, is illegal and should not take place.

For the full text of the minister's address download the attached PDF.