safety steps

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗣 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟! 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN7nmQGOj9na4QhBa12

St John’s , Antigua, 23 June 2026 – The APUA Water Business Unit is reminding residents that hoses must not be attached to standpipes under any circumstances.

Standpipes are shared public resources provided as a public service to support vulnerable residents and households that may not have direct access to a potable water supply.

These facilities are intended to provide safe access to water for household use and must be used responsibly by all members of the community.

The unauthorised attachment of hoses, tampering with standpipes, or any other form of misuse is prohibited and may increase the risk of contamination, creating potential public health concerns. Such actions may also result in excessive water use, unnecessary wastage, and reduced water availability for other residents who rely on standpipes for their daily needs.

According to Jason Peters, Acting Water Business Unit Manager, the practice of attaching hoses to standpipes undermines the purpose of the service and can negatively affect others who depend on it. “Standpipes are intended to provide residents with access to potable water for their household needs.

When hoses are attached, it can lead to excessive water use,
wastage, and reduce the availability of water for other persons waiting to access the service. We are asking the public to be considerate of their neighbours and to use standpipes only as intended,” Peters said.

The Water Business Unit further advises that the commercial use of standpipes is not permitted. Persons are also urged to refrain from washing vehicles at standpipes, especially during periods of drought when water resources are under increased pressure.

Residents are encouraged to use water wisely and to be mindful that others within their communities depend on these facilities. Responsible use helps to ensure that standpipes remain safe, accessible, and available to those who need them most.

Water management is everybody’s business. Through responsible use, conservation, and the avoidance of unnecessary wastage, we can all play a part in safeguarding our nation’s water resources. Every drop counts.