Water matters: safeguarding our dwindling precious resource

By: Colvin Harry

It is something that we have taken for granted for years; turning on a tap anywhere, and out pours fresh water, so fresh that you can drink it straight from the tap.

What I have come to realise, however, is that this has been taken for granted. Now, reality has hit home. Our freshwater supply is not immune to the vagaries of climate change and can be significantly impacted over a short period of time.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), high mountain ranges and dense forests ensure a water supply that is as pure as it gets. The country’s lone water provider, the Central Water and Sewerage Authority, has over the years managed to build an infrastructure that is solely gravity-fed, which means pumps are not required in its distribution process. The water comes directly from the source. It is treated and flows directly to homes and businesses through a complex, interconnected network of catchments and distribution systems.

The recent dry period and the onset of a prolonged drought, which began in February 2024, were the tipping points in the abundant supply of fresh water. Though we have had ample warning from the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) since late 2023, we seemed not to have anticipated the magnitude of what was about to happen. As February, March, and April elapsed and there was little to no rainfall, it became a matter of great concern not just for the farmers who depend on it,y but for the entire population, which requires a safe and continuous water supply. The data collected by the CWSA is now showing a pattern developing that will soon manifest itself. Though water rationing began in early April, the situation reached a crisis point around mid May when the CWSA expressed concern about the dwindling supply and decided it was time to act. It stepped up its public information campaign through the media and provided details of the status of the seven water catchment and distribution systems on the mainland. By May 15, 2024, two major systems were labelled red for very low levels at the catchment system.

A press conference was hosted on May 14, broadcast live on radio, television, and social media about the impending increase in water rationing measures. The continued worsening impact of the dry spells in the country had now resulted in the rationing of the water supply to several communities supplied by the Dalaway, Montreal, and Majorca systems—the three largest catchments on mainland St. Vincent.

CEO of the CWSA, Winsbert Quow, described the situation as ‘phenomenal’ and pointed to the fact that climate change is the driving force behind more dry days and fewer wet days. He pointed out that the Dalaway system, which provided 40% of the island’s reserve, was dangerously low. This was attributed to less rainfall, coupled with increased temperatures throughout February, March, and April. It became clear that the rivers and streams feeding the catchment systems were at their lowest point in many years and, in some instances, reduced to a trickle.

In addressing how citizens can cope with the situation, the CEO urged investments in water storage systems, particularly for homes, and called for a change in attitude in the way Vincentians use water. He revealed that even through the driest periods with low water levels, there was no reduction in the consumption of water, which is a cause for great concern, and he urged Vincentians to desist from the unnecessary use of water during this time.

Petrona Cozier, who lives on the outskirts of the capital, Kingstown, was one of those affected by the water rationing measures. Like many thousands she had to pay close attention to the rationing schedule to be able to store sufficient water for use in the household. Due to her location, when there was water, it was only a small stream, which sometimes limited her ability to handle matters that required the use of water.

On some occasions, due to the extremely low levels at catchment sites, there was high turbidity, and the tap water came out with a foamy cocoa-like texture that was sometimes unusable in the kitchen or had to be left to settle.

The Grenadines was also affected, as the lack of rainfall, and very warm temperatures had all but dried up the limited supplies stored on the islands. On many occasions, water had to be taken by ferry, trucked, and then distributed on the islands. This further added strain to the already limited supply on the main island of St. Vincent.

Fortunately, some relief came a few days following the CWSA press conference, and the rains returned. Though it was not nearly enough to completely replenish the systems, it certainly improved the situation, if only temporarily. Later in May, the island again experienced some welcomed showers, which further improved the situation. As we progress into the official wet season, the expectation is that the water systems should return to normalcy in the weeks and months ahead, based on forecasts.

Though very dry conditions were experienced during February, March and April, the latest precipitation outlook shows some hope of rainfall in the months of June and July, with a 45–50% chance of higher than normal rainfall. While the promise of more rainfall might seem like a good thing, too much rain can result in the opposite effect. More rain over a shorter period can result in landslides, flooding, and damage to homes and important infrastructure.

The question that remains is: what caused it to get so dire? It is clear that climate change is real. As we go from year to year, we see more temperature records being broken, droughts lasting far longer, and recently rising sea levels. It is unfair that though we, as small island states, make a zero contribution to carbon emissions and the depletion of the ozone layer, suffer the most. The effects are felt by all, from farmers on land to fishermen at sea, and the average man on the street. We must therefore take the bull by the horns and demand greater accountability from larger countries that turn a blind eye to the climate impact on smaller, poorer countries. The fact remains that though promises are made at COP summits by the larger emitters, very few stick to commitments made, and this must be a point for ongoing discussion globally to apply pressure for them to fulfil their promises.

This story was published with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture of Climate Tracker and Open Society Foundations.