Water at several sources sits below 50% of normal capacity, with production down by as much as 60% in some areas.

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) advises residents of Soufriere and surrounding communities that the supply management measures introduced in May remain in effect, as the sources feeding the area have not recovered with the start of the rainy season.

Inflows to the Fond St. Jacques #1 and Ruby networks, which serve the town of Soufriere and its environs, remain below normal. Water at several sources sits below 50% of normal capacity, with production down by as much as 60% in some areas. Communities served by the southern systems, including Patience, Belle Vue, Desruisseaux, Beausejour, Grace, Upper and Lower Saltibus, and Delcer, are recording similar reductions. Production at Canaries and at Sauzay in Choiseul, however, has held steady.

To share the available supply as evenly as possible, WASCO is continuing to valve in Soufriere and Patience, though this may change based on raw water availability. Customers should nonetheless plan around the publicized schedule for their respective areas. Valving arrangements for Vieux Fort and Laborie are being finalised, and WASCO will publish them before they come into effect. The company is also trucking potable water to essential services and to the communities most adversely affected, and this will continue until inflows improve.

WASCO's teams are monitoring the sources daily and assessing the shortfall, while maintaining water quality testing across all affected systems so that every drop delivered meets established safety standards. We ask customers to store water safely and to use their reserves sparingly. Careful use at the household level helps the available supply go further for everyone.

WASCO apologizes for the inconvenience these measures may cause and thanks the people of Soufriere and the wider south for their patience. To report a break, leak or fault, call the Control Room on 482-0052 (north) or 482-0051 (south). For valving and trucking details in your community, visit www.wascosaintlucia.com and WASCO's social media platforms.