Keeping abreast with the needs of its customers, the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) recently met with residents of Plateau, Babonneau, during a community engagement session convened by the Babonneau Constituency Council to discuss the ongoing water supply challenges affecting the area.

The meeting provided an open forum for residents to voice concerns about prolonged water shortages, water distribution schedules, valve operations, and access to water trucking services, particularly for vulnerable members of the community. WASCO representatives shared updates on the current water situation, outlined the operational challenges affecting supply, and explained the measures being implemented to improve service reliability.

The discussions proved to be constructive, with residents expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the utility and gain a better understanding of the complexities surrounding the island’s water supply. The dialogue fostered greater awareness of the factors contributing to the challenges while reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration between the company and the communities it serves. Several practical outcomes emerged from the meeting, including WASCO’s commitment to increase the placement of community water storage tanks, and trucking services to residents most severely affected by the intermittent supply.

The engagement formed part of WASCO’s ongoing commitment to transparent communication and community partnership as it works to improve water service across the island. By maintaining open dialogue with customers and stakeholders, the company continues to identify practical, community-driven solutions while strengthening public understanding of the investments and operational efforts required to deliver a more reliable water supply.

WASCO appeals to customers to use stored reserves sparingly and to practice safe storage. The company thanks the public for their patience and cooperation as efforts continue to sustain supply during this challenging period. For updates on trucking and valving schedules, customers may contact WASCO’s Control Room at 482 0052 in the north or 482 0051 in the south.

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Background

The Hill 20 Water Treatment System in Babonneau continues to face severe challenges as a result of the prolonged dry season. Although Saint Lucia has now entered the rainy season, recent showers have been too light and scattered to replenish catchments or restore river levels. Much of the rainfall has been absorbed by parched ground before reaching intakes, leaving inflows well below normal.

Production at Hill 20 has therefore fallen significantly, forcing pumping to be managed in cycles; running for limited periods, then pausing to allow storage to recover. This directly restricts how far and how often water can reach communities across the Babonneau network. Higher elevation and end‑of‑line communities such as Boguis, Savanne en Haut, Garrand, Plateau, La Croix, Paix Bouche, La Guerre, Upper Monier, Ti Dauphin, Desrameaux, Ravine Macock, and La Borne remain among the hardest hit.

The community requires approximately 1 million UK gallons of water per day to meet demand. However, current inflows have fallen to less than 10 percent of that capacity. This severe shortage prevents water from reaching all communities simultaneously, with higher‑elevation areas such as Monier, Boguis, Plateau, La Guerre, Desableau, and La Borne experiencing the greatest impact. Key intakes, including Talvern, remain offline, while Marquis provides only minimal flow for about 12 hours daily. Consequently, WASCO must alternate supply between tanks and pumping stations, restricting continuous service.