Water disruption at desal plant...again

In a media statement, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) advised customers in parts of Central and South- West Trinidad about a disruption in their normal water supply from Saturday last to tomorrow. Production at the Plant has been reduced from 40 million to 10 million gallons per day (mgd), while the repairs are being carried out.

The affected areas include: Caroni, Felicity, Charlieville, Cunupia, Chaguanas, Chase Village, Carapichaima, Endeavour, Montrose, Point Lisas, Couva, Claxton Bay, Vistabella, Marabella, Gasparillo, San Fernando, Gulf View, Duncan Village, Pleasantville, Union Hall, La Romaine, Palmiste, Phillipine, Woodland, South Oropouche, Rousillac, Avocat, Fyzabad, parts of Siparia, De Gannes Village, Debe and parts of Penal.

WASA stated that to manage the deficit caused by the disruption at the Desal Plant, an amended water supply schedules had been implemented while a redistributing water from the Navet Water Treatment Plant and Point Fortin Desalination Plant had also been enacted.

“Customers are further advised to manage their water use efficiently, as it may take 12 to 24 hours for the supply to normalize to some affected areas, after the Plant returns to full operation,” WASA stated. “A limited truck-borne water service will be available with priority given to schools, health care institutions and special homes,” WASA stated.

The Desalcott is a single purpose entity originally formed in 1999 to sell desalinated sea water to WASA on a build and own operate basis. In November 2012 an Amended Water Sale Agreement was signed with WASA for Desalcott to expand its plant to produce 40 mgd. This increased supply is expected to allow WASA to further supplement its supply of potable water to residents and businesses in South Trinidad.