The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) advises the public on recent works undertaken at its Delcer Water Treatment Plant. These measures were undertaken to address a flow restriction identified and resolved along the transmission main supplying the treatment facility in Choiseul.

On August 12th, WASCO’s Production, Treatment and Quality team identified an irregularity at a valve location along the transmission main between the intake and the treatment facility, in the Unionville area. A decommissioned valve at this location was discovered to have been tampered with, restricting the flow of water into the plant. In response the company has initiated measures to strengthen the security of its assets in the area. The valve has since been attended to by WASCO personnel, restoring the Delcer Water Treatment Plant to its former capacity. Additionally, an investigation has been launched into the suspected unauthorized interference. In light of this incident, the public is reminded that willfully tampering with or damaging utility infrastructure is an offence pursuant to section 90 of the Water and Sewerage Act.

Delcer remains one of several southern networks recording low flows, amid below average rainfall that has reduced yields at abstraction points islandwide. The Saint Lucia Meteorological Services recorded a cumulative rainfall deficit of about 45 percent at its southern station by the end of July, and forecasts drier than usual conditions through November. In keeping with its standard operating procedures, WASCO will continue to monitor intake conditions daily and will carry out desilting works when conditions warrant.

As work continues to manage the available supply, the company strongly urges customers to limit their use to essential household needs and to defer any unnecessary use until flows improve. Consumers are also advised to use harvested rainwater for non-potable purposes. WASCO encourages the public to rely only on official WASCO channels for accurate and current information on water supply and infrastructure matters. Customers may also contact WASCO’s Main Office at L’Anse Road, (758) 457-3900, Control Room North: (758) 457-3958, Control Room Vieux Fort: (758) 482-0051, Control Room Soufriere: (758) 482-4001, or email wascocorp@wascosaintlucia.com.