safety steps

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, October 17th, 2023 – The Antigua Public Utilities Authorities (APUA) Water Business Unit announces that it now has the opportunity to relax the water distribution schedule.

The water distribution schedule had been implemented to allow for a fair rotation cycle which gives a suitable opportunity for residents to plan and consume the service accordingly.

The drought conditions over the last few years have caused a severe reduction in the availability of water from surface and groundwater sources. In light of the decline and to ensure the equitable distribution of water, APUA officially Introduced a water conservation schedule for challenged areas.

Following the passage of Tropical Storm Philippe on Tuesday 3rd October, 2023, our major natural water catchments have been replenished; with a surplus of surface water for the first time since November, 2020.

Potworks Reservoir along with several of the surface water sources to include; Big Creek, Fishers Dam, Hamilton, and Dunnings, have been able to retain water as a result of the rainfall brought on by TS Philippe.

As a result, the Bendals Water Treatment Plant came online on Wednesday, 4th October, 2023 and consumers in the surrounding areas should have seen improvements in their water service. It is also anticipated that the Delaps Water Treatment Plant is poised to return to the water distribution network within the coming days.

Following the downpour on October 3rd, the Authority anticipates an additional 1.8 million imperial gallons to our water distribution network. During this time, we forecast that all consumers should have access to a more regular water service over the next four and a half months. Nearing the end of this proposed timeline, without additional resources, an assessment will be made and consumers will be advised of future steps.

Consumers are reminded of the importance of practising conservation and water recycling measures in their homes and businesses to prolong a limited and precious resource. Consumers should also note that the water service is subject to interruption by planned and unplanned maintenance.

The challenge to combat the effects of drought is mighty but can be overcome. Together, it is our collective responsibility to be efficient in our conservation practices as consumers.

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority remains committed to identifying solutions in combating the current deficit in water production and distribution resulting from the ongoing drought. Our main  goal is  to continue investing in a more reliable production source, refurbishing our distribution network, while increasing our storage capacity and modernizing our operational and analytical equipment.