Recent social media posts and political commentary claiming that there has been a 32% increase in water rates are inaccurate, misleading, and do not reflect the established legal and regulatory framework governing water services in Saint Lucia. The tariff review remains a regulated, transparent, multi-step process led by the independent regulator, the National Utilities Regulatory Commission, NURC, with consumer interests central to any eventual decision.

Here are the FACTS:

1. No Water Rate Increase Has Been Approved or Implemented
The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) is the licensed supplier of potable water and wastewater services in Saint Lucia. Under the Water and Sewerage Act, and the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) Act, WASCO cannot unilaterally increase water tariffs; any rate change must be reviewed, proposed, and formally approved by the NURC, an independent economic regulator.

2. Regulatory Review of Tariffs Is Underway, But Not Yet Completed
In 2025, the NURC began a formal tariff review process for WASCO’s proposed rate adjustments covering the 2024–2027 period. The regulator has commenced the first stages of reviewing WASCO’s application, which includes an assessment of the utility’s business plan, investment requirements, and cost of service, followed by public and stakeholder consultations, and eventually a draft determination. The specific proposed tariff figures have not yet been approved or implemented.

3. Public Consultations and Transparency
The NURC has emphasized transparency and public engagement in the tariff review process. It has scheduled consultations so that consumers, civil society, and other stakeholders can review proposals, provide feedback, and express concerns before any final tariff decision is made. This forms part of the regulator’s statutory duty to balance consumer protection with the sustainability of utility service delivery.

4. Current Rates Remain in Force
As of this release, water charges continue to be based on the last approved schedule established under law. These include tiered domestic water rates, commercial rates, and minimum charges set by NURC. No new tariffs have taken effect.

5. Longstanding Water System Challenges Explain the Need for Review
WASCO and Government officials, including Prime Minister Pierre, have consistently acknowledged that Saint Lucia’s water utility faces significant operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, climate-related supply variability, and the impacts of extended dry periods. These realities make periodic reviews of cost structures and funding mechanisms necessary to ensure reliable, safe water services for residents and businesses alike.

6. Any Claims of a “32% Increase” Are Speculative
The percentage figure being circulated on social media derives from draft scenarios presented during the early stages of tariff consideration, not from an official NURC determination or an enacted law. Such draft frameworks often model potential adjustments over a multi-year period to illustrate the cost impact under different assumptions. However, these do not constitute an approved tariff.

7. Government Commitment to Affordable Water Access
The Government remains committed to affordable access to potable water. Any consideration of tariff adjustments will uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, evidence-based regulation, and protection of vulnerable consumers, including low-income households.

8. How the Public Can Participate
Members of the public are encouraged to engage with the NURC’s consultation process, review draft tariff reports when published, and submit comments: all of which are integral components of Saint Lucia’s regulatory framework for utility services.

For further information about the water tariff review process or how to participate in consultations, members of the public should contact the National Utilities Regulatory Commission.