Cawasa newsletter 2nd quarter 2012

Caribbean Water and Sewage Association Inc. April to June 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 2

Collection Methods
Collection Methods

Rain is as constant as sun in the Caribbean, but how much do we
make use of rain water? A Trinidadian landscape architect offers
solutions on how to harness and make good use of rain water
anywhere in the Caribbean -- and, indeed, anywhere it rains.
(See Centre Pages 6 and 7)

In ground
collection system
In ground
collection system

CDB Hosts Regional Water Sector Review Workshop
The Caribbean Development Information Matrix, both by consul- Given the importance of the wa-
Bank (CDB) on May 18th hosted tants, Cole Engineering. ter sector to regional development, it
a special workshop to discuss an Country Issues and Challenges were is imperative that appropriate public
ongoing assessment of the Carib- discussed in Group Sessions before policies and strategies be developed
bean’s water sector. Cole Engineering returned for a pre- and implemented in a timely manner
The meeting was attended sentation on “The Way Forward.” to mitigate and adapt to these changes.
by water sector delegates from There are clear opportunities for in-
The workshop was spurred by
across the region, who were wel- creased investment in the region’s wa-
several developments regarding the
comed to Barbados by L. O’Reilly ter sector.
availability of fresh water resources,
Lewis, Operations Officer at the which is critical to the sustenance of The CDB recently approved financ-
CDB’s Economic Infrastructure life and to human and economic de- ing of a consultancy to conduct an
Division. velopment. assessment of the state of the Water
Opening Remarks were deliv- Sector (WS) in its Borrowing Member
In the Caribbean, where many coun-
ered by Ms. Tessa Williams Robert- Countries (BMCs).
tries are classified as “water tressed”,
s
son, Director of the CDB’s Projects The proposed study will evaluate
there are significant challenges facing
Department. and rationalise the major development
the sector. These include: over-staffing
There was also a special presen- challenges currently facing Water Sec-
of water supply companies; high levels
tation on World Bank Perspectives tors in the Caribbean, in the context of
of water losses; inadequate tariffs; ag-
on the Water Sector, by Ms. Julia ing infrastructure; inadequate capital the potential future role of CDB.
Bucknall, who is the Sector Man- It is envisaged that the output of the
Victor Poyotte
investment; lack of regulation of the
ager for Water at the World Bank sector; and inadequate institutional ar- consultancy will present up o-date in-
t Executive Director,
Global Water Unit. rangement for effective integrated wa- formation, analyses and recommenda- CAWASA Inc
A presentation on Climate ter resource management. tions, which will aid in CDB’s strategic
Change Adaptation in the Water These challenges are likely to be ex- planning for its interventions in Water The CDB said it organized the
sector was also presented by Dr. acerbated by risks associated with cli- Sectors. workshop to sensitize key stake-
Ulric Trotz, Senior Science Adviser mate change and variability. In partic- Part of the consultants’ scope of works holders to the goals of the pro-
to Caricom at the Climate Change ular, the poorest and most vulnerable will require the gathering information posed Water Sector Review, and
Centre. people, whose livelihoods are critically from each participating country. This to garner suggestions and sup-
The workshop’s opening cer- linked to access to water resources, will will be done through a combination of port. The CAWASA was repre-
emony also heard an Overview of be most affected, negatively impacting country visits, interviews and informa- sented by Executive Director Vic-
the Consultancy, as well as a Draft poverty reduction efforts. tion surveys. tor Poyotte.

In this Issue
Rain and Water
Page 2 Heat Wave Makes Water a Hot Topic Page 10
Secretariat News

Pages 2, 3, 4 and 5
Should Water Bill Defaulters Get Amnesty? Page 11
CaribDa Celebrates 80 Years of Desalination Page 5
Water and Food Security Page 12
Water Conservation Advice and Guide Page 7 Towards a Model OECS Water Act See Back Page

e-Source April to June 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 2

CAWASA Secretariat News
NAWASA Completes Supervisory
EDITORIAL Management Training Modules
Rain and Executive Director Victor Poyotte conducted
Modules 111 of the Supervisory Management
Training series for staff of NAWASA in Grenada.
Arrangements for Industrial Relations; Legal
Instruments Governing Industrial Relations; the
Role and Interest of National, Regional and In-

Water
The course, which focussed on Industrial Rela- ternational Stakeholders; and Social Dialogue on
tions Practice, was conducted from Tuesday, 29th Outsourcing.
to Wednesday, 30th May 2012. Also discussed were: Compassionate/Paterni-
A total of 30 Supervisors from T&D, P&Q, ty Leave or Minimum Wage; Assessment of Work
Rules on Compensation and Rights/Responsibil-
(Two Caribbean Constants) PD&C and Finance Departments were down to
ities ; Mini-Collective Bargaining Simulation on
attend the training. However, only 25 Supervi-
a Pension Plan and Health & Safety Policy; Con-
sors actually participated. tents of Collective Agreements between NAWA-
This issue of e-Source arrives with the con- Topics covered in the workshop included: SA, TAWU and PWA; and Grievance Handling
tinuing climatic change that has been visit-
Theoretical Perspectives on Industrial Relations: and Dispute Resolution through Third Party In-
ing the Caribbean and the rest of the world
Conflict, Unitary or System theory; Institutional tervention.
lately. The annual Rainy Season is here and
the yearly Hurricane Season is here again –
and again, earlier than usual. Tropical Storms
have started coming in from the Atlantic once Water Authority-Cayman Implements New
more and Emergency networks are again
warning all across the Caribbean to take heed
and act early to save lives and protect people
Customer Relationship Billing System
and property. But with all this surge of tropi-
cal storm activity comes one constant: rain.
And with that one constant comes that other
inevitable and natural one: water.
We’ve known water all our lives and we’ve
come to learn and accept that we just can’t do
without it. But we still haven’t fully learned
or understood, far less act to fully gather,
save and use the abundance of water in the
Caribbean.
Unlike those unfortunate parts of the world
where people die from thirst, we have more
deaths from drowning – whether in swim-
ming pools or in the sea. Where others suf-
fer parched lips and walk miles in search of a
drink of water, we in the Caribbean seek and
find excuses not to pay our water bills.
But that is not to say that all is gone and
the day is done. Fortunately, there are organi- WAC Representative dealing with a customer
zations and persons, companies and utilities,
experts and consultants, on every Caribbean
island, in each territory, who are aware of The management of the Cayman Islands Water troduce a new bill format that will be much more
the challenges and ready to take opportuni- Authority (Water Authority – Cayman) is always useful and informative for our customers, includ-
ties and offer informed advice to decision- striving to find ways to improve the standard of ing a consumption chart showing historical us-
makers regarding harnessing and harvesting, service provided to our customers. age; Bank payment importing capabilities allow
conserving and efficiently using this essential The development of a new Customer Relation- for the importing of payment files received daily
source and resource. ship Billing System provides improvements in from the banks allowing the payment amount
In this issue, e-Source offers a special feature multiple ways. to be directly applied to the relevant customer
on Rain Water Harvesting, which is quickly be- Being able to provide internet based services rather than the manual input of each transaction.
coming a recognized need by water stakehold- such as online payment, e-billing and online ac- These are just some of the highlights of the
ers in the public and private sectors. We specifi- count access to customers were the top priorities new system and all customers are urged to take
cally highlight a presentation on the issue by a of the project, however, addressing internal pro- advantage of the benefits offered by these new
Trinidadian landscape architect at a recent inter- cesses was also a consideration. features.
national landscape conference in Guadeloupe.
last December, organized by the French Admin- For example the new system includes: A wire- The Water Authority was established in 1983
istration and the Guadeloupe Regional Council. less work order module which allows meter as a statutory body responsible for supplying
Incentives are also now being offered for rain- readers to receive service requests electronically wholesome and affordable drinking water to the
water harvesting in one state – something CA- in the field creating a much more efficient and people of the Cayman Islands.
WASA has for some time been promoting. effective process; Cashiers will be able to use a It is also responsible for the proper treatment
In this issue, e-Source also offers Secretariat barcode scanner to scan the barcode printed on of wastewater and for the protection of the fresh
News from activities by member-utilities in the bills allowing automatic retrieval of the cus- groundwater lenses that exist throughout the is-
Aruba, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Grena- tomer bill information during the cashiering pro- lands. For more information about the Water Au-
da, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and the OECS cess; Flexible bill formatting has enabled us to in- thority Cayman, visit www.waterauthority.ky.
region. We also report in this issue on two re-
cent annual regional Environmental and Desal-

And the lucky
ination meetings and a major Caribbean Water
Sector Review, as well as on matters relating to
Water and Food security, Conservation Tips

winner is…
and Tips on Water Safety After a Storm.
We have once again sought to reflect, in liv-
ing colour, the work that CAWASA is doing,
through and with its affiliates, across the Ca- During the recent 6th Caribbean Environ-
ribbean. We encourage CAWASA member- mental Forum and Expo in St. Kitts and Nev-
utilities and related entities to continue to is NAWASA (Grenada) made an extra con-
provide information to the Secretariat for in- tribution of a Spice Basket as a prize for the
clusion in our quarterly issues of e-Source and first visitor to its booth, which was won by
sincerely thank those who continue to update
lucky Ms Lavern Byron from St Kitts, seen in
the Secretariat on their activities.
photo receiving her prize. (More on Page 3)
Now, read and enjoy!

April to June 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 2 e-Source Page 3

CAWASA participated in 6th Caribbean
Environmental Forum and Expo in St. Kitts

CAWASA’s booth at the St. Kitts Expo. Visitors at CAWASA’s booth.

The Caribbean Water & Sewerage Association CAWASA shared a booth at the Exhibition CAWASA and Member Utilities had on dis-
Inc (CAWASA) participated in the 6th Caribbean with eight member water utilities: Antigua Pub- play posters, flyers, brochures and parapherna-
Environmental Forum and Exhibition, held at the lic Utilities Authority, Central Water & Sewerage lia. Videos presentations from the utilities were
Marriott Hotel in St Kitts from May 21-25, 2012. Authority, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Domi- the highlight of the CAWASA booth as it drew
CAWASA was represented by the Executive nica Water & Sewerage Authority, Montserrat many visitors to that section.
Director, Victor Poyotte, who participated in
Utilities Limited, National Water & Sewerage NAWASA, Grenada made an extra contribu-
various sessions and also chaired a session at the
Authority (Grenada), Nevis Water Department, tion of a Spice Basket which was used as a prize
Water Safety Planning Workshop, while the Pro-
gramme Officer, Suzanne Joseph, managed the Water Services Department of St Kitts and Water for the first visitor to the booth, which was won
CAWASA Exhibition Booth. & Sewerage Company (WASCO) of St Lucia. by Ms Lavern Byron from St Kitts.

NAWASA launches Customer Service Charter
According to Raelene Lazarus, the company’s and safe disposal of waste water, in a viable
communications manager, the launch was held and efficient manner” as espoused by their
at the main office on the Carenage and was at- mission statement. This refers to technical ser-
tended by a gathering that included the island’s vices as well as administrative functions and
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, also provides customers with guidance about
Physical Development and Public Utilities Mr. Ja- their role in the process.
van Williams; NAWASA’s Board Directors, Man- General Manager, Christopher Husbands
agement Team and Staff, as well as a cross section expressed satisfaction that the launch and
of customers and the media. implementation of the Charter cemented the
Says Ms Lazarus, “The gathering was ad- gravity with which the NAWASA team ap-
dressed by the Permanent Secretary, NAWASA’s plied
Chairman and the General Manager, who, in themselves to the 2012 Business Plan Theme
their various remarks, chronicled the organisa- of “Committing to distinctive quality and Im-
tion’s development over the years to show the proved Customer Care”.
steady advancement which led to today’s event.
“We know and understand that the journey
Chairman Terrence Smith explained that a short has only just begun and that it is a process
term objective of the organisation is to “provide of continuous learning and improvement. I
a high quality customer experience comparable am proud to be part of team that has taken
with international benchmarks and standards for on this challenge and we expect multiple ben-
Christopher Husbands, the water sector.” efits for all stakeholders involved,” said Mr
General Manager, NAWASA, Grenada
The implementation of the Customer Service Husbands.
Grenada’s National Water and Sewerage Charter sets the bar for this achievement by the Ms Lazarus says, “Customers may pick up
Authority (NAWASA) has taken yet another organisation in 2014. their copy of NAWASA’s Customer Service
bold step in the advancement of its strategic NAWASA’s Customer Service Charter sets the Charter at any of the Authority’s cash offices
plan. The company has announced the launch standard of adherence for the Authority’s deliv- located at the Carenage, St. George, Grenville
of their Customer Service Charter. ery of “a safe, adequate and reliable water supply and Gouyave.”

9 Sit CAWASA/ABC Certification Examinations
Nine candidates from St Lucia and Barbados sat the CAWASA/ABC Certification Examination on June 29, 2012 in the following subjects: (1) Water
Distribution - Levels One and Two (2) Water Treatment - Level One (3) Wastewater Treatment - Level Three. Examination Results will be released
in July 2012.


Executive Director Leads Antigua
Workshop for Training to Manage
Organizational Change
Program lasted 16 sessions over two days
The Executive Director of CAWASA Inc, Vic- ry discussion on some of the operational changes
tor Poyotte, facilitated an intensive two-day (e.g. establishing a water resource management
training workshop for employees of the Antigua agency, a regulatory commission, outsourcing
Public Utilities Authority (APUA) on “Managing services), that a utility organization may have to
Organizational Change” at the APUA in Cassada undertake.
Gardens in Antigua on June 18th and 19th 2012. Some of the change options identified in-
Overall, a total of twenty-three (23) employees of cluded: joint ventures, management contracts,
the Authority attended the training. The Facilitator, outsourcing, asset leases and management
Mr Poyotte, conducted the training using a number concessions.
of short power point presentations, together with The Facilitator led participants in the 10th ses-
plenary discussions and small group activities. sion on A Legal Approach to Organizational
Some16 sessions were facilitated and they cov- Change, in a general plenary discussion on the
ered a wide range of subjects of interest to the legal approach to organizational change.
operations and management of the region’s utili- The session focused on activities such as re-
ties and water resources. view of policy, legislation and regulations, iden-
In the first session, the Executive Director led tifying short comings and taking steps for im-
participants on a general discussion covering the proving the legal instruments.
mandate of the APUA including mission, vision, For the 11th session, the facilitator led par-
goals and objectives. Participants reviewed the ticipants in a general plenary discussion on the
current mandate and suggested changes. structural approach to organizational change.
In the second session on Utility Operating En- This session focused on activities such as organi-
vironments, the facilitator led participants in a zational design, centralization and decentraliza-
general discussion on the factors in the external tion, work flow modification and downsizing..
environment that impact on the operations of For the 12thsession on Technological to Orga-
the utility. Participants also discussed the effect nizational Change, the facilitator led participants
of political, economic, social, technological, legal Victor Poyotte in a general plenary discussion on the techno-
and ethical factors on the utility. Executive Director of CAWASA Inc logical approach to organizational change. The
In the third session on Sector Policies, the Facil- session focused on activities such as tools and
itator led participants in a general discussion on He said, “Participants also compared the per- equipment, systems and processes, methods and
the concept of public policy. Participants also dis- formance of electricity services against water techniques.
cussed the status of water and sewerage policies. services and concluded that government had ad-
For the 13thsession on A Human Resource Ap-
opted a more favourable set of policies towards
In the fourth session on Utility Business Mod- proach to Organizational Change, the facilitator
the former.
els, the facilitator led participants in a general led participants in a general plenary discussion
discussion on the current business model ad- “For instance, the electric utility is guaranteed on the human resource approach to organiza-
opted by their Antigua utility. Participants also an annual return on its investments and is able to tional change. The session focused on activities
discussed the ownership structure, scope of ser- pass on fuel costs to the consumer by way of the such as review of employee knowledge and
vices, mechanisms for service regulation and surcharge but the water utility is not permitted skills, attitudes and behavior, interpersonal rela-
prospects for viability. to do so.” tions, perceptions and expectations.
Working in groups, they examined the current In the sixth session on Stakeholder Analysis, The Facilitator led participants in the 14th ses-
organizational arrangements of the utility and the facilitator led participants in a general plena- sion on the Impact of Utility Change, in a general
suggested preferred arrangements to improve ry discussion on the internal and external stake- plenary discussion on the impact of organiza-
the business model. holders of the utility. tional change on utility personnel. The session
In the fifth session on Utility Operations, par- Participants then worked in small groups to ex- focused on identifying employee self interest,
ticipants worked in small groups to examine the amine the role and interest of the stakeholders of common reactions, organizational culture, and
range of services offered by the utility, identify the utility. (Key stakeholders identified included resistance to change.
some of the main complaints associated with Government, Ministry, Board of Directors, Util- For the 15thsession on Utility Change Strate-
each of these services and suggest ways in which ity Management, Support Staff, Customers and gies, the CAWASA Executive Director led par-
these services could be improved. Suppliers.) ticipants in a general plenary discussion on the
Using a power point presentation, the facilita- For the seventh session on the Need for organizational change strategies. The session fo-
tor led participants in a general plenary discus- Planned Change, the facilitator led participants cused on rational, re-education, power and adap-
sion on an analysis of findings of surveys con- in a general plenary discussion on the dynamic tion strategies.
ducted in the USA and Africa on the performance nature of utility organizations. He highlighted For the 16th session on Utility Change Plans,
of water utilities managed by public entities as the rationale for change, contemporary issues the facilitator led participants in a general ple-
against those run by the private sector. and performance trends all of which provide the nary discussion on developing an organizational
basis for change. change plan. The session focused on the problem
The Performance Indicators used included la-
bour productivity, operating costs, capital use, For the eighth session on Factors Influencing statement, rationale for change, program objec-
consumer charges and quality of service. Change, the facilitator led participants in a gen- tives, change activities and the change manage-
According to Mr Poyotte, “Although there are eral plenary discussion on the forces within util- ment structure.
no known formal studies available on the perfor- ity organizations that push for change and those The CAWASA Secretariat said it was “satisfied
mance of Caribbean water utilities, participants that are inhibitors of change. with the administrative and logistical support
were able to give their general impression of In the ninth session on Utility Change Options, provided by the Training Officer to facilitate the
their performance.” the facilitator led participants in a general plena- training.”


CAWASA attended GEF-
invited the countries to indicate areas of focus, col-
laboration and partnership.
The presentation and discussion on yet another
component of the project dealt with Communica-

CReW Project Launching
tion, Outreach and Information Exchange.
Again, the UNEP-RCU representative shared in-
formation on the project approach and invited the
countries to indicate areas of focus, collaboration
CAWASA Executive Director Victor Poyotte earlier project covering the history, development, objec- and partnership.
this year attended an Inception Workshop on Man- tives, components, and major outcomes.” In the final session, all the participating countries
agement (GEF CReW). Each Country Representative made a short pre- made presentations on their needs for Wastewater
The workshop was organized by the Interagency sentation on the current challenges facing waste- Management and their expectations of the project.
Coordinating Group (IACG) comprising the Inter- water management in his/her country. The pre- This was followed by a summary of the main
American Development Bank (IDB) and the United sentations also dealt with emerging issues, major outputs of the meeting and a discussion on the way
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and took concerns and opportunities for project interven- forward. Of the thirteen (13) countries where CA-
place from 7th to 8th February 2012 at the Terra tions. WASA member utilities operate only Antigua &
Nova Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica. Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent &
In the second session, Dr. Frederico Basanes, Di-
The workshop brought together national service visional Chief of IDB/WSA discussed the role of the Grenadines have endorsed the CReW project to
providers and regulatory or enforcement agencies, the Funders in dealing with the challenges facing date.
regional associations such as CWWA and CAWA- wastewater management in the region.
SA, the Ministries of Legal Affairs and the Attorney As a result, the Antigua Public Utilities Author-
He was followed by Valerie Jenkinson and Don ity (APUA), the Barbados Water Authority (BWA),
General Office.
Degan of World Water & Wastewater Solutions the Saint Lucia Water & Sewerage Company (WAS-
Also participating were representatives of region- who made a presentation on Effective Utility Man- CO) and the Central Water & Sewerage Authority
al training and certification institutions, private sec- agement. (CWSA) are the member utilities likely to benefit
tor organizations, donor agencies and international Don Degan also made a presentation on Biological directly from project-related activities.
funding agencies. Nutrient Removal.
Addressing the opening ceremony were the Since Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia and St. Vin-
The first day closed with a panel discussion en- cent & the Grenadines are not borrowing member
Country Representative for Jamaica, the Coordina- titled “Reflections on Community Wastewater
tor for UNEP-CAR/RCU, the IDB INE/WSA and countries of IDB none of the CAWASA member
Treatment, the IWCAM Experience.” The panelists utilities were selected as pilots.
the GEF-SEC. comprised Country Representatives from Bahamas,
Robert Pickersgill, Jamaica’s Minister with re- Saint Lucia and Tobago. However, the CDB has given the assurance that it
sponsibility for Water, Climate Change and Envi- will provide support member utilities like Antigua
The first session of the second day started with Public Utilities Authority (APUA), the Saint Lucia
ronment, delivered the keynote address. Ms Forrest outlining details of each component of Water & Sewerage Company (WASCO) and the
In the first session, Ms Denise Forrest, Project the project, the execution structure and the report- Central Water & Sewerage Authority (CWSA) seek-
Coordinator for the GEF-CReW gave an idea of the ing and communication mechanisms. ing to implement CReW project-related activities.
objectives of the meeting. She indicated that the This was followed by presentations and discus-
meeting would address a number of key issues in- In his presentation, the CAWASA Executive Di-
sions on the project, with a focus on Pilot Financing rector outlined the products and services offered
cluding: Assisting all partners to fully understand
Mechanisms and First Generation Projects. by the CAWASA Secretariat and highlighted the
and take ownership of the project and discussing
the roles, functions, and responsibilities within the A representative of the Project Executing Agency potential capacity building areas for collaboration
project's decision-making structures, including re- (PEA), from each pilot country shared information with and support for the CReW Project.
porting and communication lines, and conflict reso- on the status of their work, the functioning of the Among the areas identified for partnership in-
lution mechanisms. PFM and described in the First Generation Projects. clude: wastewater legislation, regulations and pol-
Ms Forrest also addressed “Presenting and re- The presentation and discussion on another as- icy reform; wastewater sector planning; regional
viewing first annual work plan and budget includ- pect of the project dealt with reforms of Wastewa- studies and surveys; professional training and certi-
ing measurable indicators, targets and their means ter Management. A representative of UNEP-RCU fication; regional networking; public education and
of verification” and gave an overview of the CReW shared information on the project approach and awareness building.

CAWASA signs SSFA Agreement with UNEP
A small-scale funding agreement Protot pe Caribbean Regional Fund Caribbean Region (WCR) – the LBS Cartagena Convention and LBS
has been entered into between the for Wastewater Management in the Protocol and in particular Annex III Protocol, pilot revolving financing
United Nations Environment Pro- Wider Caribbean (GEF CReW).” on Domestic Wastewater. mechanisms and their wastewater
gramme (UNEP) and CAWASA The LBS Protocol is the third pro- management eforms that can be

mentCaribDa Celebrates 80 years of Desalinationimplementation
financing for the in Aruba
This funding agreement particu-
to further the cause of Wastewater larly addresses the UNEP-CAR/ tocol developed under the Conven- subsequently established as feasible
management in the Wider Caribbe- RCU Assessment and Management tion for the Protection and Develop- instruments to provide sustainable

The Caribbean Desalination Association (CaribDa) held its 2012 Annual Conference in June
an, UNEP is an International Inter- of Environmental Pollution sub of the Marine Environment

in Aruba.
governmental organization estab- programme (AMEP) of the UNEP- of the Wider Caribbean (the Carta- of environmentally sound and cost
lished by the General Assembly of CAR/RCU. gena Convention) for which UNEP- effective wastewater management

An exhibition was also held as part of the meeting, which coincided with the 80th
the United Nations, and in this in- CAR/RCU serves as Secretariat. measures.
Anniversary of Water En Energiebedrijf Aruba NV (WEB).
The AMEP sub-programme fo-
stance is represented by its Regional cuses on measures to prevent, re- The CReW Project for the Wider The three interlinked components

Global Environment Facility (GEF) theme ‘80 Years of Desalination Makes for One
The entire celebration took place under the
Coordinating Unit in Jamaica. duce and control marine pollution Caribbean was approved by the of the CReW Project are: Investment
CAWASA, on the other hand, is and to assist countries in the im- and Sustainable Financing; Re-
in December 2010.
The overall objective of discussed several pertinent issues, including
The business aspects of the meeting
one of the key regional stakeholders plementation of the Protocol Con- Happy Island’. forms for Wastewater Management

project is and “in the context of and Management, Finance and Economics,
Technology to, Innovations, Planning the
for the Global Environment Facility- cerning Pollution from Land-based this and Communications, Outreach

Regulations and The Environment.
funded project entitled “Testing a Sources and Activities in the Wider and Training.

Also discussed were Seawater Reverse Osmosis Applications, Desalination Using Green
Energy and Thermal Desalination.
CaribDa Celebrates 80 Years of Desalination in Aruba CAWASA is a member of CaribDa.

The Caribbean Desalination Association (CaribDa) held its 2012 Annual Con-
ference in June in Aruba.
An exhibition was also held as part of the meeting, which coincided with the
80th Anniversary of Water En Energiebedrijf Aruba NV (WEB).
The entire celebration took place under the theme ‘80 Years of Desalination
Makes for One Happy Island’.
The business aspects of the meeting discussed several pertinent issues, in-
cluding Technology and Innovations, Planning and Management, Finance and
Economics, Regulations and The Environment.
Also discussed were Seawater Reverse Osmosis Applications, Desalination Us-
ing Green Energy and Thermal Desalination. CAWASA is a member of CaribDa.


RAIN WATER HARVESTING
Trinidadian Landscape Architect Offers Rain
Water Harvesting Solutions for the Caribbean
A Trinidadian landscaper offers simple and better ways to harvest a precious resource
that’s still being allowed to go to waste across the Caribbean.
In a world where thousands Land Images’ concept of water-
still die daily through lack of efficient landscaping design was
access to water, the Caribbean first presented last December to a
is lucky to have, in abundance, multi-lingual, tri-continental dis-
both tap and rain water. As a cussion forum in Guadeloupe,
result, all territories can become which looked at Caribbean land-
self-sufficient in provision of scaping issues generally, and spe-
water. But that’s not the case cifically at the French Caribbean
(due to many reasons), result- territories of Martinique and Gua-
ing in a continuous search for deloupe. St. Lucia and Trinidad &
solutions, of which Rain Water Tobago were among the islands
Harvesting is only one of many. participating.
Selva Ann Edwards, a Trini- Ms Edwards’ has since then
dad & Tobago Landscaping Ar- been developing and expanding
chitect, has long been both seek- her research and advocacy of rain-
ing and offering solutions to water harvesting as part of Carib-
the region’s policy-makers and bean landscaping.
people., including “water-effi- “We need to educate people as
cient landscaping designs” that to managing rain and storm water
seek to marry the landscape and at the residential level and how
the abundant resource. we can effectively minimize the
She explains, “We in the Carib- run-off that leaves our property
bean are lucky more than millions during the rainy periods,” she ad-
elsewhere, because we have tap vocates.
water right there all the time -- at She notes that, “In Trinidad we
home and throughout the com- are adversely affected every year
munity and the country. But the during the rainy season by serious
reality too is that Climate Change flooding in many areas that have
is resulting in increasingly worse been attributed, in part, to poor
Selva Edwards is a Trinidadian landscape architect who
droughts, such as we experienced development practices.” advocates practical measures to promote Rain Water
across the Caribbean in 2010, re- Educating persons from the mi- Harvesting across the Caribbean.
sulting in a crisis that led to water cro level and upwards,” she says,
shortages and institution of con- “will create awareness and under-
servation measures.” standing of poor choices made at
Harvesting rain water is also the macro level and downwards.”
highly recommended by Ms Ed- Says Ms Edwards, “Education is
wards, whose company, Land the key to understanding these is- where Rain Water Harvesting is watering gardens and lawns, in
Images, advocates “designing sues and how we can contribute to being encouraged as a response to toilets and for other non-drink-
spaces with meaning.” change and this change we must the increasing threat to Caribbean ing uses.
The Land Images Managing pass on to the Caribbean’s chil- water security posed by Climate e-Source offers, with Ms Ed-
Director advocate easy solu- dren so that they can pass them on Change and human habits. wards’ permission, a slightly
tions like collecting rain water to their children.” In some countries too, hotels edited version of the paper
from roofs to creating under- Ms Edwards will be happy that (St. Lucia’s Jamaican-owned Co- she presented in Guadeloupe,
water collection systems – and her sort of ideas and recommenda- conut Bay Resort in Vieux Fort in- which has relevance for all Ca-
even planting roof gardens or tions are now starting to bear fruit cluded) have already started har- ribbean states – and indeed,
rain gardens. in some territories (like St. Lucia), vesting rain water for uses such as everywhere it rains. (See Page 7)

St. Lucia Offering Tax and Credit Incentives for Rainwater Harvesting
CAWASA Executive Director the natural resource and put it to and their extent have not been
Victor Poyotte has long advocated use. indicated officially, but consum-
incentives to encourage rainwater The Government announced in ers and businesses have already
harvesting across the Caribbean as its May 8th Budget that, begin- started considering how to best
the region seeks to brace with and ning July 2, 2012, it will offer a make use of these encouraging in-
overcome the challenges to water two-year tax free concession for centives.
sources posed by Climate Change importation of rainwater harvest- The CAWASA Executive Direc-
and human actions. ing equipment. tor and others across the region
His hopes – and that of many The government has also indi- who support the harvesting of rain
others of a similar persuasion -- cated it will – in the Third Quarter water are hoping that other Carib-
have been realized in one instance of 2012 – offer a Tax Credit to com- bean governments will follow St.
to date, with the Government of panies that retrofit their opera- Lucia’s example and encourage
St. Lucia indicating it will offer tions to capture and use rainwater the harvesting of this pure natural
CAWASA Executive Director Tax Free concessions to encourage for non-essential operations. resources for as many uses as pos-
Victor Poyotte citizens and businesses to capture The full details of the incentives sible.


RAIN WATER HARVESTING
Rainwater Harvesting for Method
Collection
Efficient Landscape Designs
By Selva Edwards, Landscape Architect Install guttering that will collect and channel rain wate
The only solution provided to
home owners to manage storm
lection site. It could be this simple.
On larger properties, water can be
Collection Methods
water on their property is to build channelled into a pond and then
concrete drains that transport their used for landscape maintenance
water off their site into communi- or used in the household for laun-
ty drains that are many times not dry and sanitary reasons. This
equipped to deal with the extra may be a bit more challenging, but
runoff. attainable.
To make sure our water resourc- Green Roofs
es are available for future gen- If you’re building a new dwell-
erations, we need to make water
conservation the basis of how we
ing, consider constructing a Green
Roof, which consists of a thin layer
1
use water in our homes and in our of soil planted with drought-re- Above ground
yards and gardens. sistant plant species. This type of
Additionally, we need to be care- roof can be used on existing flat collection system
ful what pollutants, such as pesti- roofs, as well as on sloped roofs. A
cides, detergents or sewage, we let
enter our water resources.
Green Roof enables you to reduce
the number of roof drains that you
Collection Methods
Once water resources are contami- have; and in some cases, it can also
nated, they can be unfit for drink- completely eliminate them.
ing
Other water saving measures:
Harvesting Storm Water
• Leave lawn clippings to break- It could be this simple
Sources of Storm Water on your down. (This adds nutrients and
property include run-off from your retains moisture in the soil.)
roof and other structures that may • Compost your yard trimmings
be on your property. Water from and fruit and vegetable waste.
rain falling directly on to your (A great soil conditioner that
property is also a free and constant gradually releases nutrients to
source. Therefore, harvest your your landscaped areas.)
water. Save it and use it. • Fix leaking waterlines
Water Wise Measures Pass it on
These include harvesting rain-
water; using permeable or semi-
permeable materials on your prop-
Water conservation at home is
one of the easiest measures to put 2
in place and saving water should In ground
erty to increase infiltration and become part of everyday family
assist in ground water recharge; habits. Teach your kids, who will collection system
using native and drought resistant teach their kids, until such mea-
plants; reducing lawn areas; in- sures become commonplace.
stalling rain gardens and earthen Some measures to encourage
swales; and, for new construction, your citizens to harvest rainwater
installing a Green Roof where pos-
sible. (To be explained later…) • Educate all segments of the pop-
ulation from elementary schools
Calculating Storm Water runoff to persons in the workplace;
off your Roof • Make it part of the Town and
If you have 1,000 square feet of
roof on your house and it rains just
Country requirement to include
rainwater harvesting structures Underground Collection
1 inch, you can collect 600 gallons in all plans submitted for ap- Underground Collection System
of water to be used in your gar-
den, for washing your car, or just
proval;
• Strive towards the position of System
for drop irrigation around your mandatory rainwater harvest-
property. So, if you have 2,500 ing for buildings over a speci-
square feet of roof available for fied square footage;
water catchment, and a single inch • Tax free and tax credit incen-
of rain falls one day, 2,500 X 0.6 = tives to residents and business
1,500 gallons of water that can be owners implementing water
harvested for future use…from harvesting systems on their
only one inch of rainfall! properties;
Of a roof area of 1.000 sq. ft, • Easy access to information and
1,000 X 0.6 x 68.9 = 41, 340 gallons the hardware necessary to in-
of water can be harvested stall the systems; (Demonstra-
tion systems could be put in Underground
This water, from your roof area
place to supply the public with collection system
alone, would be lost to your off-
site storm water drains if it’s not the necessary information.)
harvested. • Start by providing rain water
harvesting systems to a few ex-
Collection Methods isting public buildings (eg. Com-
Install guttering that will collect munity Centres, Hospitals) and
and channel rain water into a col- to a new public developments.


Water Conservation Should Be A Daily Practice
St. Lucia’s Water and Sewerage Com- imize wastage to ensure there was an adequate weather pattern earlier this year, with heavy
pany (WASCO) has appealed to the public supply for all users. They implored all residents rains arriving before the annual rainy season,
to be very conservative in the use of water, “to refrain from the use of watering lawns, resulting in the Roseau Dam being restored to
as the effects of the dry season impacted washing cars using hoses, and other wasteful safe water levels earlier than expected.
negatively on the company’s ability to practices.” However, WASCO continues to advocate
maintain the current water supply level to However, as unpredictable as Climate Change water safety and conservation as a permanent
customers. And, even though water levels can be, there were some sudden shifts in the practice and not only during droughts.
have returned, the company is still advo-
cating conservation as a daily practice and
not only in times of drought.
A sudden reduction in rainfall earlier in
the year affected the supply of water from
some of the sources, leaving most in the
south with adequate reserves, while others
-- such as Bouton, Delcer and the Dennery
Valley, were also affected. As such, a ra-
tioning programme was implemented.
The supply in the north comes primarily
from the John Compton Dam and the Hill
20 Treatment plant. However, the storage
capacity of the Dam had been compro-
mised significantly, due to the extreme
level of siltation since the passage of Hur-
ricane Tomas.
The base flow entering the Dam was
much less than the normal volume re-
quired for treatment and distribution to
customers. Consequently, the reduced
storage limited the company’s ability to
maintain normal supply levels and a ra-
tioning regime had to be implemented in
all communities in the north of the island.
These included, Bexon and environs, Ro-
seau and environs, Castries and environs,
and as far north as Cap Estate. This has been an age old practice that preceded pipes and
WASCO appealed to customers to im- potable water systems. Now it's being encouraged -- more than
plement conservation techniques and min- ever -- as one of several means of securing the very source of life.

Water Conservation Guide
Water Conservation reduces energy, water bills, and wear on the water 14. Be aware of and follow all water conservation tips as they will go a
distribution system. Conserve as much water as possible – contribute to long way in helping not only yourself but others in the community.
an improvement in the supply for all. You need to observe good water use rules. Every drop counts.
15. Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the work-
DOs place. Suggest that water conservation be put in employee orientation
1. Make sure your taps don’t drip. A dripping tap can waste two (2) gal- and training programmes.
lons of water every hour. 16. Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, over-
2. Check your toilets for leaks. Put a little dye in the tank and if colour flowing tanks, etc.) to the property owner or WASCO.
shows in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Fixing it now will 17. Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don’t waste water
save money later because a leaking toilet can waste up to 40,000 gal- just because someone is footing the bill, such as when you are staying
lons of water in six (6) months. at a friend, a relative, a guest house or even a hotel.
3. Place two (2) half-gallon plastic bottles filled with water in your toilet 18. When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
tank. This reduces the amount of water needed for flushing from five
19. Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
(5) to four (4) gallons per flush.
20. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape
4. Wash dishes in a basin of water rather than under a running tap.
them clean.
5. Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash cars and water plants.
21. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbours.
6. Take short showers instead of long ones.
7. Install water conservation devices for your sinks, toilets and showers. DONT’s
They reduce flow by at least 25% with no loss of convenience.
1. DO NOT leave the shower running when soaping or scrubbing.
8. Reuse sink and laundry water (grey water) to water plants.
9. Water your plants in the evening when there is less evaporation. 2. DO NOT let water run in the sink while shaving, brushing your
teeth or lathering your face and hands. This wastes water and
10. Build or install a water tank for catchment and storage and use gut-
money.
tering to catch rainwater from the roof. Please contact WASCO for
information on water treatment. 3. DO NOT use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. De-
11. Check your water metre when there is a supply and no water is being frost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on
used. If the reading changes – you have a leak. Have it fixed! your microwave.
12. If you have a pump at home, check your pump periodically. Listen to 4. AVOID flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissue, insets and
hear if the pump kicks on and off while water is NOT being used. If it other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
does, you have a leak. Find it and repair it! 5. DO NOT leave a container under an open tap to collect water and
13. Avoid flushing the toilet, unnecessarily. Dispose of tissue, insects and leave it unattended.
other similar waste in the trash rather than in the toilet.

Water is life! Conserve it!


Water Safety After A Storm –
Your Main Concern!

Water is life, but during and after a storm or hurricane,
it can kill if not properly treated and used.

After a storm utilities may have of water (four drops if the water is
become disrupted. Electricity cloudy), stir and let stand for thir-
may be disconnected and water ty minutes. If the water does not
mains would have been shut off. smell or taste of chlorine at that
Be careful about the water you use point add another two drops and
as it may have been contaminated let stand for fifteen minutes.
by overflowing sewerage systems PURIFICATION TABLETS re-
or other bacteria. After a disaster lease chlorine and iodine into the
more people die because of us- water. They are inexpensive and
ing contaminated water sources. are available at most sporting
The following are three purifica- goods stores and some drug stores
tion methods, all of which kill mi- but always buy them in good time,
crobes: try to plan ahead. Follow the pack-
BOILING is the safest way to age directions. Usually one tablet
purify water. Bring water to a is enough for one quart of water.
rolling boil for ten minutes, keep- Double the dose for cloudy water.
ing in mind that some water will Your hot water heater is an-
evaporate. Of course, let cool be- other source of usable water. The
fore drinking. Boiled water will hot water heater should be shut
taste better if you put oxygen back off, the inlet valve closed and
into it. Do this by pouring water drained of sediment (until water
back and forth between two clean heater runs clear) and then refilled
containers. This also will improve (opening inlet valve again). If you
the taste of stored water. use this source of water and your
CHLORINATTION uses pure, electricity is off, turn off the circuit
unscented, liquid chlorine bleach breaker so the heating elements Drinking contaminated water after a hurricane or storm
to kill microorganisms in water. don’t burn out when power is re- can be harmful, even fatal.
Add two drops of bleach per quart stored.

Managing Soil Water in a Drier Caribbean
The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute Agricultural Station, to encourage local farmers and related enti-
(CARDI) continues to advocate proper soil and water practices, if the ties to better understand the intricacies of the Climate Change
region is to survive the challenges of Climate Change. challenge.
Professor Nazeer Ahmad, Professor Emeritus of Soil Science Professor Ahmad’s lecture was entitled “Managing Soil Water in a
at the University of the West Indies (UWI), presented a lecture Drier Caribbean” and it sought to examine the relationship between
in St. Lucia on June 20th 2012 at the Orchid Garden of the Union Climate Change and Agricultural Development.


Record US heat
More Expenditure wave kills dozens
on Water Supply, as millions
appreciate value
Drainage and Slope of water!
Stabilization

Visitors to the White House complained
about the intolerable heat in the US capital.

Americans came to value the importance of
water in a very costly way at the beginning of
July, after at least 42 people died in a heat wave
that brought soaring temperatures to a dozen
US states, stretching from the Midwest to the
East Coast.
Crops shrivelled and roads and railway lines
buckled in the heat as hundreds of records fell
across the affected area. Many homes in the
region were left without power after storms a
week earlier and many of the deaths were of
elderly people stuck in homes without air con-
ditioning because of the outages.
A four-month-old girl died after being left
in a car for "an extended period" outside her
home in Greenfield, Indiana.
On July 6 temperatures reached 105F (41C)
in Washington DC and 107F (42C) in St Louis,
WASCO's water treatment is back in order, Missouri.
thanks to additional government expenditure. "It's hotter than hell," tourist John Ghio, visit-
ing the White House, said.
Hundreds of thousands of people in West
The Government of St. Lucia has announced new expenditures on rehabilitation of the Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland
island’s water infrastructure. and Indiana were still enduring power outages
Water (Public Utilities) Minister Dr James Fletcher says government allocated $15.26 mil- caused by storms that swept through the area
lion for new water supply designs for the Mabouya Valley on the East Coast, as well as for one week earlier.
rehabilitation of the Roseau and Vannard intakes, all with a favourable grant from Japan. Officials in Chicago also cancelled summer
In addition, Dr Fletcher says, some $8 million has been allocated for slope stabilization, schools classes in 21 buildings without air con-
while $900,000 and $480,000 have been allocated for drainage works in Canaries and Anse La ditioning because of the heat and several cities
Raye villages, respectively, on the island’s West Coast. opened cooling centres and extended opening
hours for public swimming pools.


Another Amnesty for Water Bill Defaulters
Tens of thousands of delinquent water con-
sumers in St. Lucia are having a second chance
to make things right with the island’s water
company and start paying up their outstand-
ing water bills.
The island has some 60,168 registered water
consumers, of which only 16,454 are active.
In 1999, the then administration wiped off all
arrears and invited the delinquent customers
to pay up, but they apparently didn’t take the
offer.
Total debts for disconnections currently
amount to $14.66 million, of which $10.26 mil-
lion are owed by consumers in the more pop-
ulous North of the island; and $4.4 million is
owed by Southern customers.
Effective July 1st 2012, the government is
offering a one-year amnesty that will affect
three sets of customers: Those with illegal
connections and existing accounts with WAS-
CO, those with illegal connections and no The payments counter at WASCO's Castries headquarters only comes alive after
accounts, and those being charged for water monthly disconnections of defaulting customers, many of whom spend more money
they infrequently receive. buying bottled water than paying their water bills.

Amnesty: Yes or No?
Two views on Amnesty for
defaulting water consumers

AMNESTY FOR WATER BILL DEFAULTERS

Yes q | No q

Place your X in the column of your choice

Amnesty for water bill defaulters is seen by tinue to steal or not to pay. squatting area they were removed from.
some Caribbean governments and utility bod- They point too to other sorts of amnesty that Electricity and telephone users argue that
ies as a means of encouraging wayward cus- haven’t worked as well as intended. For exam- there’s no amnesty for them or no encourage-
tomers to pay-up and start doing it right. But ment for being good paying customers.
ple, some countries offer amnesty and reward for
there are also dissenting views.
surrender of illegal weapons, only to find crimi- They argue that the millions being written
Electricity consumers, for example, claim nals taking advantage of the amnesty for mon- off can go a long way to help improve the state
there’s a lack of equity in cases where water etary gain, supplying defective weapons that are of water utilitie. But the utilities concerned
defaulters are offered amnesty, but electricity
recycled in and out of the armory. argue that collection has proven to be hardly
consumers get disconnected for one outstand-
Some countries have also offered amnesty to possible in most cases and writing the uncol-
ing bill.
illegal squatters by offering land elsewhere, only lectable debts off the books may be the easiest
Many of the dissenters are of the view that
to see the relocated persons return to the very way to make a fresh start.
amnesty encourages water defaulters to con-


Towards a Model Water Sector Act for the OECS
Reducing the Risks to Human and Natural Assets Resulting from Climate Change
The OECS Secretariat, through its states of the OECS. will increase, causing more widespread of national adaptation strategies.
Environment and Sustainable Develop- All water and sewerage utilities of damage than ever before. Such sce- A consultancy has been offered to
ment Unit (ESDU), in partnership with member states are government owned narios will inevitably impose stresses undertake work towards creating an
the United States Agency for Interna- and operate as a government depart- on utilities to deliver services and their enabling environment for the OECS by
tional Development (USAID) is implement, or a statutory authority. It is failure to overcome these challenges formulating a draft OECS Regional Wa-
menting an OECS project aimed at “Re- evident that the OECS states Water will, in turn, negatively impact the vital ter Policy and Model Act to be utilized
ducing the Risks to Human and Natural agriculture and tourism sectors. by each Participating Member State
and Sewerage Utilities operate within
Assets Resulting from Climate Change” More frequent and extreme droughts (PMS) to facilitate adaptation to climate
similar geophysical, fiscal and socioeco-
(RRACC). will also be a feature of Caribbean change.
nomic environments throughout and
Over the years, the OECS member- are therefore faced with like challenges. weather, notwithstanding the greater The consultant will review all rel-
countries have created pivotal institu- periods of heavier precipitation. The evant documents which should include
With respect to policy and legisla-
tions that have provided for regional impacts of such drought conditions will Water and Sewerage Acts and Water
tion, the main challenge facing the wa-
stability and socio-economic advance- contribute to the challenges imposed by Policies; plans relevant to Water Sup-
ter and wastewater sector is the absence
ment. However, climate change im- Climate Change. ply, Sewerage Treatment and Climate
of an enabling environment from which
pacts will have serious deleterious Policy and legislation composed and Change.
member utilities can operate to become
environmental, social and economic implemented to empower utilities to
viable. Also to be reviewed will be Water
consequences for member states. protect preserve and conserve resourc-
When compared to the electricity and and Sewage Commission Acts; River,
The impact on small islands has been es to maintain and sustain the services Water Ways, Ponds, Lakes and other
telecommunications sectors, it is quite
explored by many scientists and in gen- they provide will strengthen these en- Water Bodies Acts and or Policies; For-
clear that the water and sewerage utili-
eral it is forecasted that sea level rise tities’ resilience to climate change and estry Reserve and Land Development
will lead to greater coastal flooding and ties do not at the moment operate with- variability.
in an environment that offers them the Acts and/or Policies; Farming and Ir-
damage to shorelines and infrastructure Given the deficiencies of the existing rigation Policies; Queen’s Chain and
from storm surge, erosion and threats to opportunity to mobilize the resources
needed to be efficient and effective. respective water policies and water Acts Coastal Acts and/or Policies; Waste-
livelihoods. and the absence of a regional policy and water, Effluent and Outfall Guidelines;
The region is already experiencing Further, the respective policies and legislative instrument and the expected Land easement and Water Bodies buffer
the effects with warmer seas, changes legislative instruments are lacking, par- impacts of Climate Change, the OECS zones Policies and Water Abstraction
in weather patterns, which affect water- ticularly with respect to matters relat- member states recognize the need to Licenses Papers/Policies.
sheds and water resources, and the in- ing to Climate Change and Variability improve systems and implement ap- The Consultant will also review
vasion of non-native species is already -- a situation which compounds their propriate all-encompassing harmoni- project documents relating to climate
creating serious problems on islands. limitations compromising their ability ous policy and legislation; the States change projects, including: Caribbean
to build resilience to withstand Climate need to ensure that policies, legislation
Small island states like the OECS Planning for Adaptation to Climate
Change. and regulations incorporate clauses to
countries account for less than 1% of Change (CPACC) Project; Adaptation
global greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- The countries anticipate that rising facilitate adaptation to climate change to Climate Change in the Caribbean
sions and understandably are among sea levels will lead to more salt wa- and build resilience to enable coping (ACCC); Mainstreaming for Adapta-
the most vulnerable to the potential ter intrusions into ground water such with impacts. tion to Climate Change (MACC) Proj-
adverse effects of Climate Change and as aquifers that supply fresh water, The RRACC project seeks to build ects; Special Programme on Adaptation
sea-level rise. Therefore, maintaining a resource that is already reduced in the enabling environment for reduc- to Climate Change (SPACC); Pilot Pro-
stable economies and providing for supply. ing vulnerability to climate change by gramme for Climate Resilience (PPCR)
economic development will constitute The Islands have been warned that improving the regulatory (institutional and Plans for Water and Sewerage
the most critical concern for the island- the frequency and intensity of storms and operational) framework in support Utilities

By Mervin Engeliste

Every drop of Water is important. in liquid, solid and gaseous states; they all can your country, stand up for WATER.
Water (H2O) is the most copious com- be transformed from state to state through vari- It is therefore easy to understand how im-
pound on earth’s surface, it covers about ous processes. portant water is to life. Some suggestions to
70% and the other 30% is land mass. Of Water and Food Security: Water is impor- conserve water or reduce pollution of our
the 70%, only 2.5% IS FRESH WATER, tant in order for us to gain food. The only living rivers are as follows: farmers may use drip
WHILE THE REMAINDER IS SALT WA- thing on earth that makes its own food is plants line irrigation systems on their farms; farm-
TER. NEARLY 70% OF THE FRESHWA- through the process of photosynthesis. In order ers may adapt to the use of mulching since
TER AVAILABLE IS FROZEN IN THE for plants to make their own food they need WA- it retains and conserves soil moisture; using
ICE CAPS OF Antarctica and Greenland, TER and carbon dioxide. Therefore in order for zero and/or minimum tillage is a good strat-
while most of the remainder is inacces- a country to have enough food for its population egy to prevent soil erosion, especially on the
sible to humans since it is present as soil there must be sufficient amounts of water in that hillsides; installing rain barrels for the use of
moisture or lies in deep underground region. Plants are the primary source of energy watering gardens and washing cars; avoid
aquifers. Less than 1% of the freshwater (food) for every living organism. Our country washing of vehicles in rivers; recycling of
on the earth’s surface is accessible for di- without water is a country or region without food water; and reduce the amount of time spend
rect human uses. In nature, water exists and more-so without health people. Stand up for in showers per day.

Cawasa newsletter 2nd quarter 2012

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