Across the region, including for countries like Saint Lucia, rainwater harvesting has been recognized as a vital climate change adaptation measure.

Rainwater harvesting systems provide an independent source of water to households by installation of a simple system to collect and store rainwater from rooftops. Rainwater can be used for typical household applications, and with the right treatment can also be used for drinking (potable water). In addition to reducing pressure on the public water supply, rainwater harvesting systems provide important climate change-resilience measures by offering a back-up water supply when the island’s main supply may be impacted by natural disasters, such as drought, hurricanes, floods or other impacts.

Through the DVRP, consultant Lester Arnold developed a training manual, Supporting Water Conservation and Use of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) in Saint Lucia. This formed the basis of a four-day training session in RWH. The manual covers components and design of rainwater harvesting systems in detail, the treatment options and maintenance requirements.

While the 4-day training was focused on rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable applications, a key objective of the training workshop was to introduce contractors and plumbers to safety measures in rainwater harvesting, more particularly use of the first-flush device.

The first-flush device diverts the first flows of rainwater from the roof which washes away the majority of impurities so that the overall quality of rainwater collected is higher.

Consultant for the training workshop, Lester Arnold, said there was a high level of interest in the first flush device. “Every participant indicated that at some point in time they will install a first-flush rain water harvesting system which they never knew existed. During the workshop, participants were able to engage in constructing a model of the device. They were able to realize that a low-tech, low cost, highly effective system can be constructed with readily-available materials. I am optimistic that they will be great ambassadors in promulgating the use of the more health conscious system.”

Priscilla M. Phelps, an advisor from The World Bank Group, who attended one of the training sessions, said Saint Lucia is to be congratulated for thinking ahead in preparing to deal with climate change.

“The country is advancing very rapidly in making the resources available for businesses and households through the Climate Adaptation Financing Facility (CAFF) to install rainwater harvesting systems and to undertake other climate adaptation initiatives,” she said.

Plumbers and contractors from various communities throughout the country were thrilled not only to obtain new information on installing the first-flush device for rainwater harvesting systems, but also to glean new knowledge on the positive impacts of collecting and storing rainwater as a climate change adaptation measure.

Leslie Fontenelle said: “I obtained a much better understanding of the usefulness of water harvesting; that in addition to providing water for domestic use, it contributes to a reduction in land slippage and flash flooding, because of a reduction in run off.”

Every DVRP-funded facility constructed to date, namely, the Dennery Infant school and the two newly reconstructed blocks at the Choiseul Secondary School incorporates a rainwater harvesting system in the design. Other facilities earmarked for similar systems are the Dennery Polyclinic, and the Micoud Secondary School.