Caribbean Water and Sewage Association Inc.

January to April 2014 | Vol. 6 No. 1

CAWASA Presidents Message

Lets remember our obligations to CAWASA and vigorously pursue the objectives we set at our last AGM in January 2014.
Following is the full text of a special message from CAWASA President Bernard Etinoffe for this First 2014 Special edition of e-Source:

Water Emergency!
Saint Lucia is in the midst of a Water-related Emergency, as the island faces drought conditions and the level of siltation at the islands biggest dam reached crisis proportions, resulting in an acute shortage of rainfall in the north of the island. The drought conditions, together with diminishing reserves in the John Compton Dam and a report from the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services that the Northern areas of the country have now officially entered a drought situation, caused the Government to officially declare the Water Related Emergency for an area stretching from Bexon/Marc (on the East Coast) to Roseau (on the West Coast) to Cap Estate (in the islands extreme North). The declaration was made under Section 10 of the Water and Sewerage Act. The islands national water company, WASCO, has indicated that water levels in the Dam (in early April) were 30 inches below the spillway. Continued on Page 7

Saint Lucia declares

World Water Day Successfully Observed in Dominica!

Customers and Staff, Students and Youth, Press and Public all participated in several activities to mark the 20th World Water Day in the Land of 365 Rivers!

Bernard Etinoffe I wish to extend New Years greetings to all member utilities of the CAWASA Inc. and also to our collaborating partners both regionally and internationally. I hope that this New Year brings great success to members generally and much progress to the work of CAWASA Inc. in particular. We started this year with the departure of the Executive Director, Victor Poyotte, who has served the organization well over the past five (5) years. Mr Poyotte took over from deceased Cecil Pemberton and brought the organization to a higher level. We take this opportunity to thank Mr Poyotte for his dedication and hard work and wish him success in his new position. CAWASA experienced a number of successes during the past years. These included a name change which better Continued on Page 7

Students, teachers and members of the general public were amoung patrons at special exhibitions As Dominica joined the rest of the international community in observance of World Water Day 2014 under the theme Water and Energy, DOWASCO organized two days of activities to bring attention to the importance of our freshwater resources. A two-day exhibition was hosted in the yard of DOWASCOs Baytown treatment facility, which is located near to some of the busiest parts of the city of Roseau. The exhibition was hosted on the two days preceding World Water Day, 20th and 21st March. The various departments at DOWASCO took time off to display tools and equipment used on a daily basis to ensure the supply of water. DOWASCO technical staff were also on hand to interact with visitors to the exhibition. One of the highlights of the exhibition was the display of a water supply model system which demonstrated the process how water is collected from the catchment areas, treated and eventually supplied to communities for consumption. The engineering department was responsible for the development of the model. Continued on Back Page

IN THiS ISSUE
Secretariat News Roseau Dam Poses Unprecedented Challenge What A Water Baptisim Pages 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Page 6 Page 11 World Water Day 2014 Special Feature Two New Water Supply Redevelopment Projects Launched in St. Lucia Germany Assists CARICOM Water and Wastewater Projects Pages 12, 13, 14 & 15 Page 18 Page 19

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January to April 2014 | Vol. 6 No. 1

Water and Words of Wisdom!

Editorial

CAWASA Secretariat News

Forum for CAWASA Directors held January 27, 2014

St. Lucia's MPs and Senators have toured the Roseau Dam to better understands its problems. The current water-related emergency in Saint Lucia again offers an opportunity for the island and the rest of the Caribbean to learn lessons and take steps to avoid and reduce incidents and incidences of human and material losses that can be or could have been avoided. In Saint Lucias case a multiplicity of factors came into play involving weather patterns and high siltation at the islands largest dam. As a result, the government has been forced to take both reactive and proactive measures, especially in the northern part of the island, resulting in disruptions in normal service and implementation of safety and conservation mechanisms. As a result of the declaration of the emergency, theres much discussion and debate in Saint Lucia about whos to blame for the islands water problems, the role of farmers in protecting water catchment areas, land use policies as they affect water and rivers, use and understanding of flood plains, the role of water engineers and old lessons still relevant in new times. However, some of the conservation mechanisms and actions being implemented and advocated do not need to only be implemented during cases of emergency. Everyone should be taught the need to save and conserve water every. Water conservation and harvesting, waste water storage and disposal and healthy water practices are useful and necessary every day and should not only be advertised in time of crisis and/or emergency. Climate change and changing weather patterns have resulted in smaller Eastern Caribbean and Windward Islands suffering heavier and more frequently. Water works in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Dominica were particularly hard hit by Hurricane Tomas in 2011 and the 2013 Christmas Eve trough. Now more than ever, the tourism sector is showing interest in discussing the feasibility of installation of desalination plants. The sheer costs of making and distributing water is driving water companies under water while more consumers opt for bottled water, forcing many (companies) to revisit earlier ethically-based reluctance to consider bottling water. And now, dams and rivers are being de-silted more than ever. A stitch in time saves nine may be a saying as old as the hills, but its wisdom has never waned. The early bird catches the worm is another saying of timeless relevance. Both apply as well today as yesterday and yesteryear. Heres hoping these words and meanings continue to echo and reverberate in the minds and memories of all who care in the weeks, months and years ahead.

Facilitator, Dennis Lord, making a point Topic: Financial Implications of Inventory and Procurement Strategy: A Corporate Perspective. The key measure of effective inventory management is the impact inventory has on corporate profitability. The objectives of effective inventory management are to increase corporate profitability, to predict the impact of corporate policies on inventory levels, and to minimize the total cost of procuring and placing inventory while meeting customer service requirements. To meet these objectives the organization needs to enable its people process and technology around inventory management. This seminar provides an awareness of the concepts tools and techniques for achieving effective inventory management.

CONTACT DETAILS CAWASA Programme Officer: sjoseph@cawasa.org or cawasa@candw.lc;Tel: 758 458 0601; Fax: 785 458 0191; Website: www.cawasa.org

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CAWASA Secretariat News

CAWASA attended regional training workshop in Guyana
Presentation Title Impact of Volcano/Hurricane on Montserrat's Water Resources The DOWASCO Experience with Tropical Storm Ophelia A Case Study of Multiple Location Risk Management Disaster Management Within the APUA Presenter Emile Duberry Magnus Williams Country/Utility Montserrat-MUL

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Executive Director coordinated Caribbean Utility Forum at the CWWA Conference

The Executive Director coordinated four (4) presentations at a Utility Forum held on Thursday 10th October 2013. They were as follows:

The Programme Officer attended a Regional Training of Trainers Workshop on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as a Tool for Adaptation to Climate Change held in Guyana from 18-21 November 2013. CapNet and the Caribbean Water-Net partnered with GWP-C to co-fund the workshop.

CAWASA and CaribDA to conduct biennial water operators conference

Following CAWASA discussions held with CaribDA, the MOU between the two associations was updated to make provision for active participation in the annual conferences hosted by each partner. The Secretariat agreed to conduct a biennial workshop during the CaribDA Conference while CaribDa will make a presentation at the CAWASA annual Water Operators Conference. The two associations agreed that starting 2014, CAWASA will hold the first workshop during the CaribDA conference planned for the latter part of June 2014 in St. Thomas. The Secretariat conducted a survey of member utilities and based on feedback received selected the topic Disinfection Solution as the title for the joint workshop.

Dominica-DOWASCO

Cyprian Gibson

Bahamas-BWSC

Tesfa Francis

Antigua (APUA)

CAWASA attended Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre consultation

The Executive Director participated in the first stakeholder consultation convened by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) under the Caribbean Weather Information Generator (CARIWIG) project. The aim of this consultation was for the CCCCC to engage with key regional stakeholders to determine their specific requirements for quantitative climate information to support climate impact assessments and decision-making, with a focus on the water, agriculture and coastal resource sectors. More specifically, the workshop sought to: 1. Inform senior level stakeholders of the aims and objectives of the CARIWIG project; 2. Introduce the CARIWIG weather generator tool; 3. Demonstrate the utility of the tool; 4. Foster ownership among stakeholders. 5. Formulate a sustainability approach for post-project activities. 6. Establish the northern-southern hemisphere research collaboration framework The CCCCC stakeholder consultation was held in Kingston, Jamaica from the 6th to 7th February 2013. It was the first in a series of activities that are geared towards enhancing regional and local knowledge on the climate impacts and hazards specific to geographic locations and climate that are relevant to planning time-horizons. The two-year CARIWIG project seeks to address issues of relevance to policy makers and senior technical managers of regional and national institutions through the provision of a web-based service that provides unbiased locally relevant weather scenarios for the present day, the short term (e.g. 2030s) and the longer term (e.g. 2080s). CCCCC expects to achieve the project goals through adaptation of leading stochastic weather-generator technology from the EARWIG and the UKCIP09 climate knowledge systems.

CAWASA attended GWOPA Partnership Congress and GeneralMeeting in Barcelona

The 2nd Global Water Operators Partnership Congress and General Assembly of the Global Water Operators Partnership Alliance (GWOPA) were held in Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site in Barcelona, Spain from 27th to 29th November 2013. The Caribbean Water Operators Partnership (CariWOP) Water Operators Partnership was represented by Mr. Alphonsus Daniel, Vice President of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) and Victor Poyotte, Executive Director of the Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association (CAWASA). The session addressed the achievements and challenges faced by the Water Operators Partnerships (WOPs) practice in Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC). In a joint CariWOP presentation, Mr. Dave Pascascio, Operations Manager of Belize WaterServices (BWS) and Mr. Jerry Brown, General Manager, Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) of the USA gave details of a successful WOP between the two operators. The CAWASA Executive Director represented CariWOP on an international panel that addressed the current and future challenges of the WOP practice in the Latin America and Caribbean (WOP-LAC) region and the way forward.

CAWASA and GWOPA host Utility Twinning Session in Barbados

In collaboration with the CWWA and GWOPA, the Secretariat organized a Utility Twinning Session during the CWWA 2013 Conference and Exhibition held in Barbados. The objective of the programme was to identify the institutional strengthening needs of Caribbean utilities and to confirm the willingness of these utilities to serve as mentors or to participate as mentees.

CARIWOP hosts first Steering Committee Meeting in Barbados

The Secretariat coordinated the holding of the first CariWOP Steering Committee meeting during the CWWA 2013 conference held in Barbados. Organizations agreeing to be represented on the Steering Committee were the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Caribbean Health Institute (CEHI) and the Caribbean Utility Employees Association (CUEA). Utilities represented at the meeting were the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) and the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO).

First CariWOP Steering Committee Meeting held in Barbados

In October 2013, the CariWOP Steering Committee held its first Steering Committee meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Barbados during the CWWA Annual Conference and Exhibition. Prior to the meeting the Committee was broadened to include representation from the Caribbean Desalination association (CaribDA), the Pan American Health Association (PAHO), the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) and the Caribbean Utility Employees Association (CUEA). Utilities currently represented on the regional Committee are the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) and the Bahamas Water Services Cooperation (BWSC). The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) was invited to participate but declined to do so but nevertheless offered to provide support whenever possible.

CAWASA attended GWOPA Steering Committee Meeting in France

The Executive Director represented CAWASA at GWOPA Steering Committee Meeting in France in January 2013. A summary of matters discussed and decisions taken follows. Key partners from the ADB, AFD, AFDB, IDB, CSOs, USAID, OFID, IWA, Private Operators and Unions gave their perspectives and updates on progress made to date. This was followed by brief comments from members of the committee on the nature of financial and operational support provided by these organizations or financial institutions. The GWOPA Secretariat made a presentation on its proposed strategy for the next five (5) years covering the period 2013 to 2017.

New Individual Members

During this fiscal year, the Secretariat identified a number of Water Operators who expressed an interest in becoming members of the association. To date, a total of twenty (20) Water Operators, Engineers, Technicians and Laboratory Analysts from Trinidad have applied for individual membership.

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CAWASA Secretariat News

Training/Certification Activities
November 2013 Examinations - contimued Name Kurt Cordiner Country Trinidad & Tobago Akeel Phillip Trinidad & Tobago Winston Holder Trinidad & Tobago Onika Edwards Trinidad & Tobago Ian Gill Trinidad & Tobago Vanita Boodhai Trinidad & Tobago Course Wastewater Treatment Wastewater Treatment Wastewater Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment II II I I I Country Antigua & Barbuda Grenada Course Water Treatment Level /Class III

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January to April 2014 | Vol. 6 No. 1

Operators Certification corner

Operators/Analysts sat Certification Examinations
Operators and analysts wrote the certification examinations in Water and Wastewater in July and November 2013 respectively. A record of 36 passes were obtained. Congratulations to the following operators who attained Levels III certification as follows:

Level/Class I

Name Jason R Browne David S Gabriel

Water Laboratory III

Jason R Browne

David S Gabriel

Alternative Certification Exams held

The Secretariat implemented the Alternative Certification Examinations in the category of Water Distribution in June 2013. The examination had three (3) components as follows:

Congratulations also to the following operators who attained Levls I and II certification respectively. The Secretariat must single out St Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago who achieved 100% pass rate. The table below shows passes in Levels I and II respectively: July 2013 Examinations Name Quincy A Jones Livingstone J Samuel Dawn M Faud Cassia Alexander Carl Bennett Akino Cadore Alpha M C Donald Allen Gilbert Learie Gittens Nealon Lessey Christopher Reuben Joseph Charles Ian Dave Alexander Gilroy James Silas Missole Chantal Gaston Country Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Cayman Islands Grenada Grenada Grenada Grenada Grenada Grenada Grenada Grenada St Lucia St Lucia St Lucia St Lucia St Lucia Course Water Treatment Water Laboratory Wastewater Collection Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Distribution Waater Distribution Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Laboratory Level /Class I II I I I I I I I I I I II II II II

1. Recognition of prior learning and experience i.e a process of identifying and recognizing existing knowledge acquired through school, work, community activities, on-the-job training or other life experiences; 2. Verbal Testing i.e a one-hour interview conducted by a three-person tribunal comprising one (1) external examiner appointed by the Secretariat and two (2) internal examiners nominated by the member utility; and 3. Practical Examination i.e each candidate was required to carry out a single routine Water Distribution Management operation to the satisfaction of the tribunal Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) got its first batch of Water Operators certified for the Alternative Certification Programme. Five (5) out of seven (7) operators were successful at the practical and verbal examinations, with the highest score of 92% and lowest score of 72% respectively achieved. A pass mark of 70% had to be achieved which was in keeping with the passing mark for the ABC Operator Certification Programme Examination. 1. Practical and Verbal Test on Standard Routine Operations on Water Distribution 2. Pass Mark is 70% to be consistent with ABC Operator Certification Programme 3. Passing the practical awards candidates a bonus of 1 mark or 4% which is added to the theory exam score Congratulations to: No. Name 1 2 5 4 5 Fitzroy Browne Lechobe Browne Bernard Joseph Danroy Martin Enoch Richards Country Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Exam Category Water Distribution Water Distribution Water Distribution Water Distribution Water Distribution Result Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass

November 2013 Examinations Name Country Course Water Distribution Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Treatment Water Distribution Water Distribution Water Distribution Water Distribution Level /Class I I II II II I I II II II II II Course Category/Title Oral C Evanson Antigua & Barbuda Mike France Antigua & Barbuda Athil J Thomas Terry Benjamin Quincy A Joyce Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda Grenada Grenada St Lucia St Lucia St Lucia

Karol McQueen Grenada Junior Morain Lenroy Charles Chernoye St Croix Shawn jules Mervin Justin

Date

Location

Presenter Denis Lord, IMS Academy Dennis Lord, IMS Academy

Procurement 14-15 November Dominica Warehouse/ Stores Inventory Management Financial Implications of Inventory and Procurement Strategy: A Corporate Perspective 27 January 2014 St Lucia

Caniean St Rose St Lucia

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CAWASA Secretariat News

New Associate Member
Caribbean Industrial Corporation (CARINDCO) of Miami, USA is the latest member of CAWASA. The secretarial welcomes CARINDCO

Caribbean Desalination Conference St Thomas June 24-27, 2014

CaribDA 2014 Conference & Exhibition
"Drought-Proofing the Caribbean" June 24-27, 2014
CaribDA would like to announce the upcoming 2014 Biennial Conference & Exposition, "Drought-Proofing the Caribbean" scheduled for June 24-27, 2014 at the Frenchman's Reef & Morningstar Marriott Beach Resort in St. Thomas, USVI. Click on these links for the exhibitor/sponsor flyer and the online registration form. You can register online (button below), fax to 772-463-0860 or phone the CaribDA office at 772781-8507. Website: www.caribda.com

20 New Applications for Individual Membership

During this fiscal year, the Secretariat identified a number of Water Operators who expressed an interest in becoming members of the association. To date, a total of twenty (20) Water Operators, Engineers, Technicians and Laboratory Analysts from Trinidad have applied for individual membership.

Victor Poyotte Moves on

At CAWASAs Annual General Meeting held in January 2014, the Secretariat presented awards to Mr Victor Poyotte, and John Joseph, Executive Director and Director/Treasurer of CAWASA who have moved on.

Exhibitor and Sponsor registration is now open!

Exhibits are allocated on a first come/first serve basis; full payment must be made by March 31, 2014 or deposit and booth space will be forfeited. All Exhibitors and Sponsors must have company membership (not individual membership with CaribDA or IDA).

Special Thanks to the Current Sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor:
Presentation of award to Victor Poyotte by President Bernard Ettinoffe

Special Thanks to the Current Exhibitors:

American Water Chemicals, Inc. Danfoss High Pressure Systems Seven Seas Water Corporation

Seven Seas Water Corporation Bronze Sponsor: American Water Chemicals, Inc. Host Facility: Water and Power Authority (Virgin Islands WAPA)

Joseph receiving plaque from President, Bernard Ettinoffe

Warehouse, Stores, Inventory and Procurement Management Workshop held in Dominica

A Warehouse, Stores, Inventory and Procurement Management Workshop was held at the Garraway Hotel in Roseau, Dominca on November 14 and 15, 2013 under the theme learn Valuable Tehniques to Modernize Your Day-to-Day Operations. In todays continuously changing environment warehouse and stores operations must have the right parts and consumables when and where they are needed. Having too many parts, not enough parts, or having to search for the parts lead to higher costs and can mean longer downtimes not to mention frustration! By participating in this session, attendees developed a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities in effective procurement, warehouse/stores inventory operations. The workshop facilitator shared information about the concepts, tools and techniques to effectively plan and control purchasing, warehouse/ stores inventory performance. A properly managed MRO warehouse/ storeroom is the difference between having parts and consumables when you need them and spending too much time and money get-

Mr Bernard Ettinoffe addressing the participants Workshop facilitators, Sheree Baron and Dennis Lord (sitting) ting them when the need become critical. This unique two-day workshop provided real solutions for procurement, inventory, and maintenance warehouse/storeroom personnel. With the knowledge and skills gained participants will support improved maintenance efficiency and effectiveness and reliability while reducing spare parts and consumables supplies and costs.

Participants at workshop In Attendance were: Managers, Accountants, Stores/Inventory Supervisors, Procurement Officer, Sales & Marketing personnel and Inventory personnel.

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January to March 2014 | Vol. 6 No. 1

2013 a Year to Remember

Focus on St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Islands like St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
that share mountainous terrain will understand the challenges that can be posed to a water supply system which is gravity fed from mountains and streams. The first challenge is usually to locate a water source that will undoubtedly feed the population it is intended and take into consideration the location of the source and water availability. In SVG all eleven water sources are located in the upper water sheds on St Vincent, areas consisting of dense forest and limited if any road network. In most cases the CWSA has to construct roads to access these sources so cost to water supply not only includes the construction of the water catchment but also, pipe works, construction of storage and filtration plants, road networks in addition to labour. It all adds up to quite a substantial sum of money. Additionally, like every water supply system regardless of its genre, it must be maintained, a cost that is ongoing and very labour intensive. The CWSA faces an average annual capital works budget for the engineering department of just under EC$5million as we seek to improve the water supply of the country with the revenue currently collected from consumers. Revenue collection is already an annual challenge but coupled with the effects to the system from natural disasters this challenge increases tenfold. On 1st September 2013, persistent heavy rains resulted in a massive landslide in the Ginger Village community of Belmont where several lengths of the CWSA's transmission main at Belmont were dislocated. This resulted in an immediate disruption of the water supply to fourteen communities downstream of the landslide. This incident occurred during the night and by day break the assessment to the damage had started which indicated that an average of 180ft of pipelines were dislocated and lodged under mud and debris at the bottom of the embankment. The instability of the area also forced the Engineers to relocate the route of the new pipelines in the hopes of avoiding future problems of a similar nature. The estimated cost of the repairs and re-routing cost the CWSA EC$100,000.00. Again on December 24th the country suffered heavy rains like some of its sister islands that resulted in the worst disaster of its kind that SVG has ever seen. Entire road networks were destroyed including roads leading to some water catchments and storage facilities. Eight of the eleven water supply systems were severely affected including the two major sources at Jennings on the Windward and Majorca on the leeward sides of the island. The Jennings system supplies water to 1/3 of the country while the Majorca system feeds 40% of our consumers including the hotel districts and the industrial site. It is fortunate that some of the supply systems are linked to each other so during the disaster, a simple boundary valve switch resulted in water being fed to the affected communities from two of the remaining water supply systems. This was particularly useful for the trucking of water to the one hundred and sixteen villages, as around seventy trucks were deployed towards this service. The water was drawn from several hydrants located in various communities in the country. Restorative works for the December flood cost the CWSA EC$1,067,690.00 and includes pipeline lost and replaced, concrete works, scaffolding support, labour, transportation, communication and road repairs, the cost of supplying meals daily to workers is not included. Rehabilitation work is estimated at EC$10million. During the onset of both disasters potable water had to be trucked to affected communities. A total of 103,300 gallons of water was distributed to the fourteen villages from September 3 - 8, 2013, while from December 25, 2013 to January 10 2014; a total of 1,085,990 gallons of water was distributed to one hundred and sixteen villages, throughout the state. It is important to note that no revenue was collected for the water that was distributed to the aforementioned villages on both occasions, resulting in loss of revenue to the CWSA. (More Secretariat News on Page 9).

Recovery and rehabilitation works in St. Vincent following disruptions during 2013.

New faces at CAWASA

Dr Halla Sahely Manager/Water Engineer (Ag) Water Services Department St Kitts

CAWASA Executive Committee for 2013-2014

The following are the Executive Committee Members of CAWASA for 2013-2014
Bernard Ettinoffe President Christopher Husbands Vice President

Mr Vincent Hipployte Managing Director Water & Sewerage Co (WASCO) St Lucia

Ivan Rodrigues Secretary Perline Scatliffe-Leonard Director Water Services Department British Virgin Islands

Vincent Hippolyte Treasurer

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Unprecedented Challenge!
Following the ringing of alarm bells about the state of siltation at the islands largest dam, Saint Lucias Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony recently paid a special visit to the Roseau Dam to better understand the gravity of the situation. (He also subsequently arranged for parliamentarians and the press to also visit, to better their understanding of how deep the islands water problem is.) Following the visit in March, Dr Anthony said the de-silting exercise is expected to be a huge and expensive undertaking. According to the Prime Minister, "We have a major, almost unprecedented challenge on our hands. De-silting the dam will be a massive undertaking, perhaps stretching over several years. Millions of tons of silt will have to be moved to restore the dam to its original condition. For Saint Lucia, this will be a major project, the scale of which we have never undertaken before." On April 4th, Minister for Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Senator Dr. James Fletcher further highlighted the magnitude of the undertaking and warned of actions to be taken to address some of the effects. He said, "We are at the point now where we may need to declare a water emergency because of the water deficit we are experiencing right now and the challenges that we have with getting water out of the John Compton Dam and the amount of resources that we have to mobilize, just to restore that dam to its capacity. The Minister added, I am happy that the Prime Minister visited the Dam recently and he is able to focus the nation's attention on that dam. To take out the silt (which is like 1.5[million] cubic metres of silt) will take us another five to seven years to restore that dam to its original capacity.

PM says Roseau Dam poses

Debris floating above silt in the Roseau Dam The minister said that the amount of money we thought we would need pales in comparison with what is actually needed now. During a recent media tour of the dam, WASCO's Managing Director Vincent Hippolyte gave an in-depth overview of the extent of the problems facing the islands largest water reservoir. He explained to the reporters, "We are of the view now that probably the dam -- in terms of its capacity, is just about half its designed capacity of three million cubic metres -- and that is of concern to us. What it also means, the CEO continued, is that to do anything with the dam it will have to be defined very well. Otherwise, you can attempt to do something and bring yourself into huge failure if you don't do it properly. The problem we have is that we are standing where water should be. There should be about 60 to 70 feet of water, but here we are, standing on solid ground. The WASCO CEO says it is important to first address the issues faced by the upper catchment areas of the dam. He says current priorities are the de-siltation exercise, stabilizing the dam's slopes and reviewing its overall infrastructure, to either increase or sustain its capacity. A De-silting and Rehabilitation Study is also expected to be conducted on the Roseau Dam soon.

St. Lucia signs French agreement for waste water study

The Government of Saint Lucia has signed a financing agreement with the French Development Agency, valued at 100,000 Euros, to undertake technical and feasibility studies to address the problem of the disposal of waste water in the Castries harbour.The study is a pre-condition to engaging investors for the development of Port Castries. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony expressed gratitude to the French Development Agency for contributing to Saint Lucia's growth on a recurring problem which needs attention. "We are dealing with a very troublesome issue - the discharge of waste water into our harbour. This has been a big issue not just for Saint Lucians, but for visitors to our country; and it has been a source of continuous complaints over the years -- justifiably so, because it defies logic that at this time in our development we should have just open discharge of waste water into the harbor that receives all our major tourist ships," said Dr. Anthony at the signing ceremony. Mr. Yves Malpel, Representative of the French Development Agency, in his remarks expressed the hope of continuing the partnership started with the Government of Saint Lucia and outlined the stages of the project. "The first step is setting what we have signed... we call it project preparation, which is a grant, which will allow the studies to be done - technical or feasibility studies... just to prepare for the investment," explained Mr. Malpel.

Prime Minister Anthony, the French Ambassador and Monsieur Yves Malpel of the French Development Agency (AFD) The project is a result of collaboration among several agencies, including the Water & Sewerage Company (WASCO) and the Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA). The ceremony was held at the official residence of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014.

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January to April 2014 | Vol. 6 No. 1

CAWASA Presidents Message

Lets remember our obligations to CAWASA and vigorously pursue the objectives we set at our last AGM in January 2014.
Continued from Page 1 reflects the role and purpose of the organization; the formulation of a five-year strategic plan (2009-2014); the intensification of the certification programme; the strengthening of ties between CAWASA and similar entities in the water and wastewater sector in capacity building, among other areas. The water industry in the Caribbean, as elsewhere, is being shaped by several factors such as regulation, calls for cost efficiency and a very demanding public which requires higher and higher standards of service and more information on the operational activities of the utilities. CAWASA has a major role in helping members deal with these challenges. One such role is providing for the training of Directors from Member Utilities in Effective Utility Management and Rates and Tariff. This training has proven to be effective and may have assisted in the granting of increased rates to utilities in some member states. CAWASA will continue with its mandate to provide for the sustainable growth and development of its members through the delivery of quality training, through workshops and conferences and also through certification for both its member and non-member territories. Continuous training of utility personnel in management, supervisory and technical areas, among others, along with the certification programme which was introduced in 2003, has been and will continue to be CAWASAs main focus. Added to the services offered by the organization is the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Operators Conference which is held biennially. We are pleased to report that in the area of certification we have three hundred and sixty-five (365) certified operators to date, having started the certification programme in 2003. Certified operators are from member utilities and most recently from Trinidad & Tobago, and the public sector. The hospitality and manufacturing sectors have also indicated interest in the programme and we have reserved a spot in our calendar of activities this year to conduct a symposium for these operators. As a clearing house for information, CAWASA collects statistical data from member utilities and other non-members and others in the sector for information sharing. It is important that we the members continue to provide CAWASA with data in order to compare our performances with each other and to learn from each others best practices, and for benchmarking purposes. The call has gone out, and continues to go out for such information. I call on members to respond to these requests from CAWASA in a timely and responsible manner. Fourteen (14) years ago, the then President of CBWMP Inc, now CAWASA Inc, Mr Denis Yearwood, in an address to Members said that, The CBWMP represents one of the longest standing efforts of cooperation between CARICOM countries, and although we may embrace new members in the future, it is essentially the founding members who must ensure the continued development of this entity. Although progress has been slow at times, much good work has already been done also much lies ahead to be done. The financing of this entity into the future will be critical and members must ensure that the necessary allocations are provided for in their budgets and timely payments made so as not to impair the work of this most important entity. (Denis Yearwood: 2000). This quote is even more relevant today and I sincerely urge member colleagues to continue their support to CAWASA for its survival. In closing, I wish to remind members that the organization (CBWMP Inc, now CAWASA Inc) will be twenty (20) years old in November 2016, having been incorporated in 1996 in Barbados. This is indeed a milestone and a reason to celebrate as we have impacted significantly on the performance of many employees of our member utilities in the areas of training and certification, in spite of our limited resources. We look forward to celebrating our 20 years in 2016, to coincide with the Annual General Meeting in December of that year. Mark your calendars and spread the word as we require your support, financially and otherwise to make this event a success. Finally, let me remind members of their obligation to CAWASA and to vigorously pursue the objectives which we agreed on at our last AGM in January 2014. May God Bless Us All!

Saint Lucia declares Water Emergency!

Residents urged to exercise extreme prudence and avoid waste
Continued from Page 1 The Saint Lucia Met Services, using 35 years of monthly rainfall data, calculated that the North of the country was experiencing a meteorological drought based on a value known as the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). The Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA) also reported that the average river flow rates are currently within the rates recorded for historical dry seasons in the month of March. Forecasts from the Met Office suggested that the rainfall outlook for the next three months (April to June) was normal to below normal for this time of year. Under the provisions of the Water Related Emergency, residents are asked to stop using pipe water recreational or non-productive purposes. Drinking water obtained from WASCO pipes, must not be used for activities like washing of vehicles or watering lawns or gardens. Activities that may cause contamination of water sources, such as the washing of vehicles in rivers, are also strictly prohibited. WASCO has embarked on measures to deal with this situation, including repairing and bringing back online water intakes that had been decommissioned due to damage and activating mobile water treatment plants that may be rapidly deployed where needed. However, the company said there was need for some rationing of supplies in the weeks ahead and the company would make announcements about its rationing schedule. The Government has encouraged all citizens -- and particularly those who live in the North of

The Roseau Dams siltation problems added to the water crisis facing St. Lucias nothern region the island in the area covered by this declaration -- to be extremely prudent with their use of water and to avoid wasting this very precious resource. The islands hotels most of which are also based in the northern area affected by the emergency have also been put on alert, with the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) consulting WASCO and the Government about making arrangements to address the situation.

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Focus on Cayman Islands

WAC Announces New Scholarship Recipient

The Water Authority-Cayman is pleased to announce the award of its scholarship for 2013/2014 to Mr Alexander Walton. Mr Walton was awarded the scholarship to pursue a Bachelor's Degree, BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Mr Walton is the son of Mr Joel Walton and Ms Tammie Walton of Grand Cayman. He graduated from St. Ignatius Catholic High School in 2009 with eight GCSEIIGCSE exam passes followed by one year of sixth form before going on to successfully complete the Foundation Certificate in Science and Engineering at Kaplan International Colleges in the UK in July 2013. Mr Walton chose the field of engineering because he has always
been curious to discover how things work and as a youngster was fond of pulling apart his toys and a variety of other objects in order to answer that question. He is looking forward to applying his study of mechanical engineering principles and practice to his interest in desalination systems and how to make such systems more cost effective and efficient. He looks forward to returning to work with the Water Authority upon completion of his studies in three years. The WAC scholarship is valued at up to CI$25,000/yr and was established in 2006 as a means of assisting young Caymanians in achieving their goals of higher education, particularly in subject areas relevant to water and wastewater management.

Scholarship winner Alexander Walton (middle) with the Director and Deputy Director of WAC, Dr Gelia Frederick-van Genderen and Dr Tom van Zanten, respectively

Water Quality:

Reverse Osmosis
In the Cayman Islands, the Reverse Osmosis process has been used since 1989 to desalinate seawater (remove the salt from sea water to get fresh water) abstracted from deep wells. The water is treated, stored in reservoirs and distributed via the Water Authority's pipeline network to customers' homes. Reverse Osmosis works by using pressure to force a saltwater solution through a membrane, retaining the salts on one side and allowing fresh water to pass to the other side. This wellknown process has been used to purify fresh water for medical, industrial and domestic applications since the early 1970s. Desalination processes are very effective for water purification by removing healthrelated contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and pesticides from the water. The product water of Reverse Osmosis, as applied by the Water Authority, removes more than 99.5% of the dissolved salts and is of a higher quality than World Health Organisation guidelines for drinking water quality.

Recognizing the Water Authority's First Customers

The Water Authority is proud to celebrate thirty years of service in the Cayman Islands this year. In celebration of this milestone, the Water Authority is recognizing its thirty firstever customers on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac since the inception of the Water Authority, all of whom received a commemorative gift certificate from the Water Authority.

Monthly prizes are also up for grabs through May 2014 for customers that pay their bill ontime. Prize winners are ran domly selected among piped water, trucked water and sewer customers that pay their bills by the due date. The names of the monthly winners will be published on our website: www.waterauthority.ky.

The theme of the anniversary celebration is Keeping Cayman on Top and focuseson the benefits of tap water that are sometimes over-looked. There are so many significant benefits of drinking tap water: The SAVINGS because tap water costs less than bottled water; The ENVIRONMENTAL benefits because there is less plastic bottle waste in the landfill; and The HEALTH benefits of drinking adequate amounts of readily available tap water each day. The Water Authority operates a world-class laboratory where

water that is produced is tested regulary. Year after year, the Authoritys tap water quality exceeds international standards for drinking water quality. Members of the public that want to learn more about the tap water produced by the Water Authority are invited to visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Authoritys website, where they will find answers to questions such as Is the water safe to drink? and How is drinking water treated? The Water History link also has some useful information on the reverse osmosis process used to produce drinking water.

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a live band and DJ entertainment. Outfits were designed by the contestants themselves and the band made up of NAWASA employees. The entire day was developed around the national colours and this years Independence theme of Uniting our people, restoring hope for a brighter tomorrow. A brainchild of NAWASAs Human Resources Department, the occasion was also used to recognize employees who recently achieved certification in different fields of study. Awards were also extended to recently retired staff. In attendance were The Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications, Works, Physical Development, Public Utilities, ICT and Community Development Honourable Alvin Dabreo, Members of NAWASAs Board, representatives of the Union that represents employees and several past General Managers of the organization. NAWASA extends hearty thank you to entire staff without whom the event would not be the success it was. The day was truly about uniting our people, restoring hope for a brighter tomorrow. latest News and Corporate Television Advertisement. Consumers now have the ability to download Water Application Forms and make queries directly from the site. The launch of the new website, is part of NAWASAs ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and availability of information to its consumers. We are so pleased with this new website, say General Manager Mr. Christopher Husbands The functionality of the site makes www.nawasa.gd a dynamic resource for our customers and Grenadians across the Diaspora. There continues to be an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, proving that hard work and proper planning do pay off.

Focus on Grenada

NAWASA Awards Poster Competition Winners

Amidst a number of activities the National Water and Sewerage Authority has launched to commemorate World Water Day 2013 was the World Water Day Cooperation Poster Competition. The Authority received an astounding 62 entries from schools across the country depicting three themes in water cooperation: cooperation within their communities, cooperation with regards to economic benefits and cooperation to protect the environment. The entries were exhibited at the Grenada National Museum and evaluated by a panel of judges from various artistically affiliated companies with expertise in the field of art, graphic design and photography. Akel Passee, student of the St. Marks Secondary School was named the winner while Quayannah Persue from the St. Andrews Methodist and Cherise Blache from the St. Andrews Anglican Secondary School placed second and third respectively. Apart from

the three winners, the judges have also chosen four talented students to bestow the Judges Award upon. Nikkisa Allard was awarded by the Grenada Art Council; Kahly Paul by Aqua Design; Joshua Henry by The Gallery and Eren Pierre by Ally Day. Each received a $100.00 gift certificate. To recognize the contribution of all participants, an award ceremony was hosted at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex. This included the distribution of certificates to all participants and prizes to the first, second and third place winners of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, Canon Digital Camera and $250.00 worth of Art Supplies accordingly. Presenting to the students, officials and media attending the ceremony was Suelin Low Chung, well noted artist whose work on water was exhibited by UN on September 9th, 2013. The occasion also provided an opportunity to showcase the posters for the audience present.

General Manager Christopher Husbands and Chairman of Board of Director Mr. Terrance Forrester

Independence Celebrations at NAWASA

celebratory mood at the Grenada Spice Basket was palpable on Thursday February 6th, 2014 as 230 of NAWASAs employees celebrated Grenadas 40th Anniversary of Independence. To mark the occasion, there was food, dancing and independence outfit portrayal arranged for staff participation along with easy access to essential information and features that provides a more comprehensive understanding of the Authoritys operations. The website boasts a modern, colourful design and is divided into five sections: About Us, Customer Care, Projects and Programmes, Media Room and Resources. Each page provides detailed information on all aspects of the organizations functions including company history, past and current projects, and a vibrant media room. The websites user-friendly nature also provides users with more efficient access to the organisations resources, legislation, and newsletters. The Home Page of the website opens to showcase information and images on the services offered by NAWASA including

Successful Opeartors of the CAWASA/ABC Certification Examination

NAWASA launches its new website

The National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) is proud to announce the launch of its new website www.nawasa.gd The new website went live at 10:15 a.m. on Friday March 21st, 2014, after months of planning and coordination. It offers quick and

Feasibility of water-adventure park in USVI to be studied

US Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh has executed a contract with Baker Berrios Architects, the company selected to prepare an economic feasibility report for the development of a water adventure park on St Croix. Initiated by members of the Senate, this project had its founding in the Triad Report underwritten by the Virgin Islands Port Authority, one that I found easy to support. The legislation required three agencies of the government, Tourism, Property and Procurement and the Economic Development Authority to collaborate on the initiative to ensure that we cover all the bases that would result in attracting a developer based on the strength of the ter-adventure park will be an attractive amenity and one more benefit that we can use in marketing all that St Croix has to offer. It will provide an economic injection with the construction activity and ongoing jobs that will be beneficial to our diversification. The first step is this study, structure recommended and then our identification of the companies in this industry, stated Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. More than four companies bid on a request for proposal and Baker Berrios Architects was selected as the firm to provide insight on the viability of the park as well as guidance on the concept and associated costs.

Its expected that much fun will be had by all at the proposed water adventure park. study. We are anticipating a final product that will provide the financial rationale on how best move forward in a partnership with an experienced developer, de Jongh said after signing gthe contract. There is no doubt that a wa-

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WHAT A WATER BAPTISIM!

New WASCO CEO Vincent Hippolyte (in red t-shirt, bottom left) joined workers to clean up after the Christmas Eve Trough that hit St. Lucia just as he took Office, causing significant damage to water installations island-wide As if things could get any worse for Saint Lucia's lone water utility company - the Water and Sewerage Company, Incorporated (WASCO) - after the devastation of Hurricane Tomas on October 30, 2010, the eve of Creole Day celebrations, on December 24, 2013 nature proved that it could! As rain poured down incessantly on Saint Lucia and other islands in the Eastern Caribbean, no one could have imagined the imminent destruction accompanying, what the local Meteorological Office would term, a deep-layered trough to which, before Christmas Eve, everyone would have paid very little attention. Now, that deep-layered trough was created when a middle to upper level trough and a lower level trough converged right above the Windward Islands causing non-stop rain for almost 24-hours. So, on Christmas Eve, while the rain continued as seconds gave way to minutes and as minutes ticked into hours, most Saint Lucians were making last-minute preparations for Christmas! With the showers, though, WASCO's normal rain protocol kicked into gear for a water transmission and distribution system still perilously vulnerable from the battering of Hurricane Tomas. Workers were intimately familiar with the drill, except, perhaps, one, but one who was most critical to the management of the crisis and responsible for ensuring that a water supply was restored to communities affected by the Christmas Eve Trough as quickly as possible. On November 4, 2013, Vincent Hippolyte assumed the position of Managing Director of the Water and Sewerage Company, Inc (WASCO) replacing Mr. John Joseph who had served the company in that capacity for the past 13 years. With years of experience in Air and Sea Port management, Mr. Hippolyte brought tremendous expertise to the water company, but the novelty of his recent posting would be purged almost instantly, and what the new top man did not already know about water and how heavy rainfall could mean major problems for the water supply, he would learn rather quickly. On Christmas Day, 2013, with working boots and rain attire in tow, the new WASCO MD summoned his management team to WASCO's headquarters at L'Anse Road to chart the course for recovery. All initial reports suggested that the nineteen (19) independent rural water systems were as badly, or more severely damaged than they were after Hurricane Tomas. After tasks were assigned to each team member, WASCO dispatched crews to assess the network where access was available and start on the long road to recovery - a road eerily familiar to most. The high hotel occupancies island-wide coupled with the festive season left little room for project planning and WASCO was forced to rely on its post-Hurricane Tomas experience to provide restorative service in the shortest possible time. This time, though, the public communication flowed seamlessly with regular public updates - a feature lacking after Hurricane Tomas, which prompted the former Managing Director to enlist the services of a Communication Consultant. Systems in the north from the Hill 20 Treatment Plant in Babonneau and the Bernard Theobalds Treatment Plant in Ciceron to the Beausejour Treatment Plant in Vieux Fort were affected. The pump houses in Anse la Raye and Beausejour, Vieux Fort were destroyed; the 24" raw water main linking the John Compton Dam to the Ciceron Treatment facility was broken; pipelines pinned to bridges in Canaries, Sarrot, Piaye and Micoud succumbed to bridge collapses; intakes around the island were silted over; hundred of lengths of pipes were washed away in rivers and landslides; and customers around the island were without water. By Thursday, December 26, 2013, as access to intakes was cleared, WASCO began restoring water supply to Saint Lucian households starting with the Hill 20 system. One by one, community after community began receiving pipebourne water once again. Scores of workers based in the Millet River over a 3-day period reconnected and secured a section of the raw water line from the Junction Tank at Millet to the Theobalds Treatment Plant. Water trucks supplemented the inadequate potable water supply as, slowly, WASCO workers pieced back together the water supply network, hampered by continuing rainfall. All told, the Christmas Eve Trough leveled damage in excess of XCD 2,846,483.86 on the Saint Lucia Water and Sewerage Company, Inc., in addition to the tens of thousands of dollars more in revenue foregone due to a lack of supply to customers as a result of the weather event. Most systems were restored within the first seven days of the trough with smaller systems, generally, put back in service first. In the few pockets of communities where WASCO experienced difficulty in supplying water, a valving system was implemented coupled with trucking to allow customers to receive water. In the eastern village of Micoud and in Canaries on the west coast where the damage was most severe, temporary tanks were installed and standpipes erected to serve the population. There were many lessons for the local water company coming out of this freak Christmas Eve weather system, but WASCO has identified the stabilization of water supply systems as its major priority since the company recognizes that it cannot get around the remoteness of intakes and the inherent difficulty in accessing these location in the aftermath of a disaster. The water utility company has also recognized that the use of PVC pipes, while the least expensive and easiest to install, often offers the least resilience in disasters. WASCO is now exploring the wider use of HDPE pipe for raw water transmission mains since they have proved to be ideal, especially in vulnerable areas near rivers. For example, in the eastern village of At Anse la Raye where HDPE pipes were used post-Hurricane Tomas, although the line bended in all directions, it did not break. This, coupled with the installation of below river bed intake abstraction systems is expected to limit raw water system vulnerabilities. Like the HDPE, again, the WASCO team demonstrated its resilience where the events of the Christmas Eve trough bent it to the limit but the Company and its staff never broke.

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World Water Day 2014 Special Feature

The Facts and Figures in this section are drawn from the World Water Development Report on Water and Energy published in March 2014 and launched on the occasion of World Water Day celebrations in Tokyo, Japan.
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the largest renewable source for power generation and its share in total electricity generation is expected to remain around 16% through 2035.

World Water Facts and Figures

Waterborne transportation

Waterborne transit is one of the most energy efficient. Inland towing barges are more than 3 times more energy efficient than road trucks and 40% more efficient than rail.

Hydropower and water use

Most of the water used for hydropower generation is returned to the river though some evaporates and there are important impacts on timing and quality of streamflows.

Biogas produced from sewage

In Stockholm, public buses, waste collection trucks and taxis run on biogas produced from sewage treatment plants.

Industrial water use

Roughly 75% of all industrial water withdrawals are used for energy production.

Access to water and sanitation

In 2011, 768 million people did not use an improved source of drinking-water and 2.5 billion people did not use improved sanitation.

Financing water
For developing countries alone $103 billion per year are required to finance water, sanitation and wastewater treatment through 2015.

Access to electricity
More than 1.3 billion people still lack access to electricity, and roughly 2.6 billion use solid fuels (mainly biomass) for cooking.

Energy for water

Energy is required for two components of water provision: pumping and treatment (before and after use).

Wind power
Wind power is the most sustainable source of renewable energy, mainly because of its low greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.

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PAST WORLD WATER DAYS

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. In 2014, World Water Day is on "Water and Energy". A brief overview of the different themes that have been the focus of World Water Day celebrations is available below.

2013 Water Cooperation

In December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation. lJ1t. rt1ql,jonc,llje(J'of In reflection of Water this declaration, the 2013 World Water Day, which will take place on 22 March 2013, also will be dedicated to water cooperation. Therefore, UN-Water has called upon UNESCO to lead the 2013 United Nations International Year on Water Cooperation, in particular because of the Organizations unique multidisciplinary approach which blends the natural and social sciences, education, culture and communication. Given the intrinsic nature of water as a transversal and universal element, the United Nations International Year on Water Cooperation naturally would embrace and touch upon all these aspects.

The offical website attracted a new high of over half a million visits in the month of March, and saw over 800 events added to the Worldwide Events map. The offical logo was also produced in over 40 languages.

well how to prevent. Ceremonies for the day took place at Geneva, Switzerland. Speakers included Royal Highness Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange and Director-General of WHO Dr Margaret Chan.

2010 Water Quality

UN-Water dedicated World Water Day 2010 to the theme of water quality, reflecting its importance alongside quantity of the resource in water management. The World Water Day 2010 campaign was envisaged to raise awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being through addressing the increasing water quality challenges in water management and to raise the profile of water quality by encouraging governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to actively engage in proactively addressing water quality e.g. in pollution prevention, clean up and restoration.

2007 Water Scarcity

The growing problem of Water Scarcity was the topic for World Water Day 2007. The theme highlighted the increasing significance of water scarcity worldwide and the need for increased integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources, both at international and local levels. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosted ceremonies for the daywhich included and opening address from FAO Secretary-General Jaques Diouf, and video addresses from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Green Cross International President Michail Gorbachv.

cooperab.ion

2012 Water and Food Security

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and WolU!ranil food security advocating for .lothd M;ll"(h ~(tu the sustainable management of freshwater resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. Coming soon in this section of the website, we will present a brief overview of the different themes that have been the focus of World Water Day celebrations.

2009 Transboundary Waters

In 2009, the theme for World Water Day was Shared Water - Shared Opportunities. Special focus was placed on 2009 transboundary "...... "';;;"",I waters. Nurturing the opportunities for cooperation in transboundary water management can help build mutual respect, understanding and trust among countries and promote peace, security and sustainable economic growth. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lead the activities of the day with the support of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

2006 Water and Culture

The Theme of World Water Day 2006 was Water and Culture under the leadership of UNESCO. The theme Water and Culture of 2006 drew the attention to the fact that there are as many ways of viewing, using, and celebrating water as there are cultural traditions across the world. Sacred, water is at the heart of many religions and is used in different rites and ceremonies. Fascinating and ephemeral, water has been represented in art for centuries - in music, painting, writing, cinema - and it is an essential factor in many scientific endeavours as well.

.....--~ ........

2011 Water for Cities

The objective of World Water Day 2011 was to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems. The theme, Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge, aimed to spotlight and encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenges of urban water management.

2008 International Year of Sanitation

In 2008, World Water Day coincided with the International Year of Sanitation, and challenged us to spur action on a crisis affecting more than one out of three people on the planet. Every 20 seconds, a child dies as a result of the abysmal sanitation conditions endured by some 2.6 billion people globally. That adds up to an unconscionable 1.5 million young lives cut short by a cause we know

2005 Water for Life 2005-2015

The United Nations General Assembly at its 58th session in December 2003 agreed to proclaim the years 2005 to 2015 as the International Decade for Action, Water for Life, and beginning with World Water Day, March 22, 2005. The Water for Life decade set the worlds goals on a greater focus on water-related issues, while striving to ensure the participation of women in water-related development efforts, and further cooperation at all levels to achieve water-related goals of the Millennium Declaration, Johannesburg Plan of Implementation of the World Summit for Sustainable Development and Agenda 21.

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PAST WORLD WATER DAYS

2004 Water and Disaster
The UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and the World Meteorological Organization were charged with coordinating events for World Water Day 2004. The message of the Day was: Weather, climate and water resources can have a devastating impact on socioeconomic development and on the well-being of humankind. According to the World Meteorological Organization weather and climate-related extreme events, such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, storms, cyclones, floods and drought, account for nearly 75 per cent of all disasters. They lead to an enormous toll of human suffering, loss of life and economic damage. Monitoring these events, predicting their movements and issuing timely warnings are essential to mitigate the disastrous impact of such events on population and economy.

2000 Water for the 21st Century

The availability and quality of water is increasingly under strain. Even if conditions were to remain constant for the foreseeable future, much of the world would find itself in a state of water-related crisis. To make matters worse, populations are growing most rapidly in those areas where water is already in scarce supply.

1998 Groundwater The Invisible Resource

The sixth annual World Water Day (WWD) was celebrated on 22 March 1998. As per the recommendations of the 17th meeting of the ACC SubCommittee on Water Resources, UNICEF and the United Nations Division of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), took the lead in organizing the observance of World Water Day in 1998.

2003 Water for the Future

Water for the Future was the theme for World Water Day 2003. It called on each one of us to maintain and improve the quality and quantity of fresh water available to future generations. This is essential if we are to achieve the Millennium Development Goal to halve, by 2015, the number of people living without safe drinking water and basic sanitation. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was the the lead UN agency for World Water Day 2003. The goal was to inspire political and community action and encourage greater global understanding of the need for more responsible water use and conservation.

This is how Wim Kok, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, starts his welcome words in the second announcement for the Second World Water Forum and Ministerial Conference that began in the Netherlands in the week prior to 22 March 2000. From 1722 March 2000, hundreds of water specialists, politicians, leading experts and top officials from all across the globe convened in The Hague. The event marked the conclusion to a long series of sessions during which thousands of concerned citizens addressed the water crisis that threatens us all.

1997 The Worlds Water Is There Enough?

The message of the day was: Water is a basic requirement for all life, yet water resources are facing more and more demands from, and competition among, users.

1996 Water for Thirsty Cities

The 3rd annual World Water Day was celebrated on March 22, 1996, with the theme, Water for Thirsty Cities. It emphasized the growing water crisis faced by cities across the world which threatens the sustainability of their social and economic development.

1999 Everyone lives Downstream

Excessive flooding of major rivers in the world in 1998 have resulted in thousands of deaths and caused enormous damage in China, Bangladesh, and India, where nearly half of the world population lives. They were not only the result of excessive rains, but also of interference by mankind in the river basins. These tragedies make us realize that virtually everybody in this world lives downstream. UNEP was the coordinating UN agency.

1995 Women and Water

For the first time Lesotho celebrated the World Day for Water, on March 22, 1995. The international theme for the day was Women and Water. The Department of Water Affairs organized two main activities for the celebration of the Day: on water pollution and on environmental degradation.

2002 Water for Development

Water for Development was the theme for 2002. The Internation Atomic Energy Agency was the coordinating UN agency. The currectly poor and deteriorating state of water resources in many parts of the world demand integrated water resources planning and management.

1994 Caring for Our Water Resources is Everyones Business

The Theme of World Water Day 1994 was Caring for Our Water Resources is Everyones Business.

20 Interesting and Useful Water Facts

1. Roughly 70 percent of an adults body is made up of water. 2. At birth, water accounts for approximately 80 percent of an infants body weight. 3. A healthy person can drink about three gallons (48 cups) of water per day. 4. Drinking too much water too quickly can lead to water intoxication. Water intoxication occurs when water dilutes the sodium level in the bloodstream and causes an imbalance of water in the brain. 5. Water intoxication is most likely to occur during periods of intense athletic performance. 6. While the daily recommended amount of water is eight cups per day, not all of this water must be consumed in the liquid form. Nearly every food or drink item provides some water to the body. 7. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea, while made up almost entirely of water, also contain caffeine. Caffeine can act as a mild diuretic, preventing water from traveling to necessary locations in the body. 8. Pure water (solely hydrogen and oxygen atoms) has a neutral pH of 7, which is neither acidic nor basic. 9. Water dissolves more substances than any other liquid. Wherever it travels, water carries chemicals, minerals, and nutrients with it. 10. Somewhere between 70 and 75 percent of the earths surface is covered with water. 11. Much more fresh water is stored under the ground in aquifers than on the earths surface. 12. The earth is a closed system, similar to a terrarium, meaning that it rarely loses or gains extra matter. The same water that existed on the earth millions of years ago is still present today. 13. The total amount of water on the earth is about 326 million cubic miles of water. 14. Of all the water on the earth, humans can used only about three tenths of a percent of this water. Such usable water is found in groundwater aquifers, rivers, and freshwater lakes. 15. The United States uses about 346,000 million gallons of fresh water every day. 16. The United States uses nearly 80 percent of its water for irrigation and thermoelectric power. 17. The average person in the United States uses anywhere from 80-100 gallons of water per day. Flushing the toilet actually takes up the largest amount of this water. 18. Approximately 85 percent of U.S. residents receive their water from public water facilities. The remaining 15 percent supply their own water from private wells or other sources. 19. By the time a person feels thirsty, his or her body has lost over 1 percent of its total water amount. 20. The weight a person loses directly after intense physical activity is weight from water, not fat. By Random Facts

2001 Water for Health Taking Charge

Water for Health Taking Charge was the theme for 2001. The WHO was the coordinating UN agency. The message for the day was: Concrete efforts are necessary to provide clean drinking water and improve health as well as to increase awareness world-wide of the problems and of the solutions. 22 March is a unique occasion to remind everybody that solutions are possible. Use the resources on this site to help turn words into political commitment and action.

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Water Facts for Children (and Adults too!)

Enjoy our fun water facts for kids. Learn how important water is to life on Earth as well its many amazing uses and properties. Read about ice, steam, snow, drinking water, oceans, water pollution, seawater, rivers the water cycle and much more with our huge range of interesting facts about water.
Water is made up of two elements, hydrogen and oxygen. Its chemical formula is H2O. Each molecule of water is made up of two hydrogen atoms bonded to a single oxygen atom. The existence of water is essential for life on Earth. Water has three different states, liquid, solid and gas. The word water usually refers to water in its liquid state. The solid state of water is known as ice while the gas state of water is known as steam or water vapor. Water covers around 70% of the Earths surface. The three largest oceans on Earth are the Pacific Ocean (largest), the Atlantic Ocean (second largest) and the Indian Ocean (third largest). Found in the Pacific Ocean, the Mariana Trench is the deepest known point in the worlds oceans. Ocean tides are caused by the rotation of the Earth and the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun acting on ocean water. Water from a sea or ocean is known as seawater. On average, every kilogram (2.2lb) of seawater contains around 35 grams (1.2 oz) of dissolved salt. The freezing point of water lowers as the amount of salt dissolved in at increases. With average levels of salt, seawater freezes at -2 C (28.4 F). The longest river in the world is the Nile River, it reaches 6650 kilometers in length (4132 miles). The second longest river in the world is the Amazon River, it reaches 6400 kilometres (4000 miles) in length. The longest river in the USA is the Missouri River. At around 2,340 miles (3,770 km) in length it is slightly longer than the Mississippi River (2,320 miles). The two combine to form the longest river system in North America. Water makes a good solvent with many sugar, salts and acids easily dissolving in it. On the other hand oils and fats dont mix well with water. The water cycle involves water evaporating (turning into a gas), rising to the sky, cooling and condensing into tiny drops of water or ice crystals that we see as clouds, falling back to Earth as rain, snow or hail before evaporating again and continuing the cycle. Learn more about the water cycle. Water in the form of ice is found at the polar ice caps of the planet Mars, some scientists have also suggested the possibility of liquid water on the red planet. Pure water has no smell and no taste, it also has a pH level around 7. While most people know that water boils at 100 C (212 F), this is at the normal conditions of sea level. The boiling point of water actually changes relative to the barometric pressure. For example, water boils at just 68 C (154 F) on the top of Mount Everest while water deep in the ocean near geothermal vents can remain in liquid form at temperatures much higher than 100 C (212 F). Water expands as it cools from 4 C to 0 C (above 4 C it does the opposite). In freezing conditions, water has been known to burst water pipes as it freezes to ice. Water can move up narrow tubes against the force of gravity in what is known as capillary action. Check out this capillary action experiment for more. Most people around the world have access to clean drinking water but it is a major problem in poorer areas of the world. Water pollution and low quality water can lead to dangerous bacteria, disease and viruses such as E coli and Cryptosporidium. Drinking water is needed for humans to avoid dehydration, the amount you need each day depends on the temperature, how much activity you are involved in and other factors. An important use for water is in agricultural irrigation, this is when water is artificially added to soil in order to assist the growth of crops. Water is used frequently by firefighters to extinguish fires. Helicopters sometimes drop large amount of water on wildfires and bushfires to stop fires spreading and limit the damage they can cause. The water industry helps deliver water to homes in various cities and countries around the world. This can involve services such as purification, sewage treatment, filtering, distillation and plumbing. Electricity can be created from hydropower, a process that uses water to drive water turbines connected to generators. There are many hydroelectric power stations around the world. Water also plays a role in cooking. Steaming and boiling food are well known cooking methods. You may have noticed this last time you made pasta or noodles. Water is also used for fun. Water sports are a very popular recreational activity and include things like swimming, surfing and waterskiing. Ice and snow is also used in ice skating, ice hockey, skiing and snowboarding.

Water and Sanitation

What are the most common sanitation problems?
Around the world, sanitation problems are the cause of many types of disease and death. The World Health Organization reports that problems associated with sanitation result in four percent of all deaths, and nearly six percent of all illnesses worldwide. Sanitation problems are particularly difficult for people with impaired immunity, the elderly, and the very young. Understanding sanitation problems is an important step in eliminating them. The discharge of untreated waste into water systems is one of the most common sanitation problems. This creates multiple issues, such as polluting drinking water, creating a breeding ground for insects that spread disease, and exposing bathers to infectious disease. Contaminating the water sources also has an indirect affect on health by exposing foods, such as vegetables and fish, to the pathogens present in contaminated water. Not only does this contaminate the food supply, but it also reduces the amount of food available. Contaminated wells are another sanitation problem. In areas that rely on hand dug wells, the typically shallow depth of the wells often allows for contamination from the groundwater. Overcrowded living conditions and the improper disposal of waste result in contaminated groundwater. Along with lack of water for drinking and cleaning, a lack of toilets is a huge sanitation problem. Without running water there is no way to have a proper toilet, however even hand dug latrines and composting latrines can eliminate some of the problems associated with lack of toilets. With no toilets available, people have no choice but to defecate in the open. Not only does this create unpleasant living conditions, but also, in areas with a high population density, it contaminates the groundwater. Water scarcity is another sanitation problem. When there is not much water available, it makes it difficult for people to wash their clothes, bodies, and even their hands. This lack of basic hygiene leads to the spread of disease as well as creating living conditions that make it difficult for the people in the area to maintain their dignity. The World Health Organization reports that 2.4 billion people do not have access to basic levels of sanitation and the proper disposal of waste. This creates a problem for people that live in the area, as well as for animals and plants. The buildup of human waste negatively affects the environmental balance in the area and is difficult to resolve.

Millions The World Over Lack Safe Water

345 million people the world over are without water access

DIE EACH YEAR FROM A WATER RELATED DISEASE. THAT IS ALMOST THE ENTIRE

CITY OF LOS ANGELES.

More than 3.4 million people die each year from water, sanitation, and hygiene-related causes. Nearly all deaths, 99 percent, occur in the developing world. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation kills children at a rate equivalent of a jumbo jet crashing every four hours. Of the 60 million people added to the world's towns and cities every year, most move to informal settlements (i.e. slums) with no sanitation facilities. 780 million people

lack access to an improved water source; approximately one in nine people. The water and sanitation] crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns. An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than the average person in a developing country slum uses for an entire day. Over 2.5X more people lack water than live in the United States. More people have a mobile phone than a toilet.

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Seven Seas improving Caribbean social and economic conditions

In 2013, Seven Seas Water successfully executed on three desalination projects, allowing the company to meaningfully improve social and economic conditions in the Caribbean region. The company commissioned SWRO facilities in Trinidad and the US Virgin Islands, collectively providing over 11 MGD of potable water capacity. Seven Seas Water overcame numerous obstacles in Trinidad (site and permitting issues, space constraints, rehabilitation & replacement of site infrastructure) and successfully commissioned a 5.5 MGD SWRO facility. The plant, developed and constructed under a build own operate agreement with the Water & Sewerage Authority of Trinidad & Tobago, now provides fresh water to the residents of Point Fortin, a community that long suffered from unreliable access to potable water. Also during 2013, Seven Seas Water successfully commissioned a 2.2 MGD SWRO facility on St. Croix, and a 3.3 MGD SWRO plant on St. Thomas. Pursuant to a build, own, operate arrangement with the Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority, the Company assumed responsibility for the production of 100% of the potable water supply to the territory of the US Virgin Islands. The new SWRO facilities replaced costly thermal desalination units and now generate significant savings for WAPA and its customers. Seven Seas Water has also been successful with expansion plans in Latin America to include Mexico, Peru and Chile, where they are developing a project to construct a 2.1 MGD SWRO facility to serve the Bahia Calera Fishery and surrounding off takers. A full list of categories and nominees is available on www.globalwaterawards. com WDR and Global Water Intelligence subscribers and IDA and IPWA members were eligible to vote - with voting closing on March 21, 2014.

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PLASTIC WEWING TECHNOLOGY

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Two new water supply redevelopment projects launched in St. Lucia

The Prime Minister addressing the launching ceremony for the two major southern water development projects.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security in collaboration with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology and the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) officially launched the Vieux Fort and Dennery Water Supply Redevelopment Projects at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport last Friday November 1, 2013. Remarks were given by the Per-

manent Secretary Mr. Sylvester Clauzel and Minister of Sustainable Development, Energy Science and Technology Senator Dr. James Fletcher, Mr. Andrew Dupigny of the Caribbean Development Bank and the German Ambassador Mr. Stefan Schlter. The feature address was delivered by the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative of Vieux Fort South, Dr. Kenny Anthony. A number of persons attended this ceremony, including a repre-

sentative of the Mexican Government, Representatives of key government agencies and ministries, as well as Vieux Fort and Dennery community representatives. The projects are currently in the 1st Phase/Planning Phase. The objective of this phase is to assist the Government in preparing a technically and financially feasible programme of works which will lead to an improvement in the reliability of the Vieux Fort and Dennery Water Supply Systems, which are resilient to climate

change and variability impacts. This will result in a mediumterm water supply redevelopment plan for the areas, as well as preliminary designs, performance and other relevant specifications, and tender documents for the proposed capital works. Phase 1 of the projects is supported financially by the Caribbean Development Bank (US$150,000), the Federal Republic of Germany (US$400,000) and the Government of Saint Lucia (US$375,000).

Water expansion project gearing up in Nevis

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded $30 million water enhancement project on Nevis continues and contracts have been awarded for the three main parts of the venture. Project coordinator for the CDB/ Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Project Management Unit, Brian Kennedy recently described the status of the project. He explained, Were at the stage where we are awarding contracts for the three main parts of the project. That is the storage tanks, six reservoirs -- one at Maddens, Camps, Spring Hill, Fothergills, Stoney Hill and Morgan Estate; six new reservoirs, three new pumping stations (at Camps, Fothergills and Pond Hill) and over 100,000 feet of pipe -- approximately 20 miles of pipe to add to the approximately 100 miles of pipes existing. The first payments are being organised to the contractors, to the suppliers who won the bids. Jamaica Drip Irrigation won the award for the pipes and for the pumps and FDL Consult Inc. from St Lucia won the award for the six tanks. So, we are at the stage now figure would be shouldered by the NIA and some will be grant funds. The total value of the project is about EC$30 million. Of that, the CDB will be putting in about 80 percent and the NIA will be putting in the counterpart financing, the remaining 20 percent. Now of that 80 percent the CDB is putting in 64 percent, which will be at ordinary interest rates and 13 percent would be what you might call soft loan terms and three percent will be grants, he said. Kennedy explained that, on completion, the project would provide a more reliable water system that would have the capacity to move water from one end of the island to the other as the demand dictated. It would not, however, be putting in any water to the existing water system. Water is unlike electricity, in that you can buy another generator and put it in the power station if your demand increases. With water you have to find the water so we had an extensive programme of underground drilling to find the water and in [2008] an additional one million gallons per day of water was found, half a million gallons in Fothergills and another half a million gallons per day in the Maddens areas and there is no way we could move that water through the existing system, he said. At present the production capacity of the Nevis Water Department is 2.5 million gallons of water per day and the daily demand on average is 1.5 million gallons. That figure increased up to 2 million gallons per day during the dry season, which coincides with the high tourist season that would allow the demand to peak over 2 million gallons. Other components of the project will be network upgrade and capacity building, Kennedy noted. This will include staff training, improving the billing and accounting. CDB will provide transition consultants, which havent been selected as yet, for the duration of about two years. Thats actually being granted and that would assist the NIA in the transition of the present Water Department to a new entity that is more efficient and more in line with what the CDB wants to see in the process of funding the project, he said.

Project Coordinator for the CDB Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Project Management Unit, Brian Kennedy where were anticipating the receipts of the materials which we estimate to be between now and November/December, but the actual pipes which are going to take the longest wont be here till about November, he said. According to Kennedy, although the entire project costs $30 million, some of that

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Germany assists CARICOM water and wastewater projects, marine protected areas
The German-funded Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS) program is active in eight Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states -- Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. In its first year, it has provided essential material goods worth 850,000 euros (US$1.167 million) to the marine protected areas (MPA) of Oracabasa, Montego Bay, Negril and Nepa in Jamaica and funded six water and wastewater projects in Belize and St Lucia with almost 2.4 million euros. These are: 1. Design of the Vieux Fort Water Supply Redevelopment Project, St Lucia, 2. Feasibility study on the Rehabilitation of the John Compton Dam, St Lucia 3. Implementation of the St Jude Hospital Water and Wastewater Project, St Lucia, 4. Design of the Placencia Peninsula Integrated Water and Wastewater Project in Belize, 5. Design of the Expansion of Water and Sewerage Facilities at Ambergris Caye in Belize, and 6. Building capacity for community-based wildfire management and freshwater quality monitoring in rural Belize. In 2014, CATS will assist developing detailed plans of operation for the climate change component in the above eight CARICOM member states. This will be done in close coordination with the aquatic component for which CATS completed the particular participatory process in late 2013. The five focal marine protected areas (MPAs) are: 1. Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve in Dominica, 2. Molinire-Beausjour Marine Protected Area in Grenada, 3. South-East Peninsula Marine Management Area in St Kitts and Nevis, 4. South Coast Marine Park in the South Coast Marine Conservation Area, St Vincent and the Grenadines

Prime Minister of St Lucia Kenny Anthony (L) and Ambassador Stefan Schlter on the occasion of the launch of the Vieux Fort and Dennery Water Supply Redevelopment Project in St Lucia, part of the program Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS) 5. Soufrire, Canaries and Anse la Raye Marine Management Area (SMMA), St Lucia. The German federal government has pledged over 21 million euros to CARICOM for adaptation to climate change in the Caribbean: more than 10 million euros for CATS and almost 11 million euros for a financial cooperation project on coastal protection for climate change adaptation in the small island states in the Caribbean. Another approximately 60 million euros have been pledged to other climate change adaptation projects in the region.

Ministry hosts Wastewater Management Media Training Workshop

Saint Lucias Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology hosted a one-day media training workshop on Wastewater Management for reporters, editors, media managers/owners, producers and media experts on December 22, 2013. The workshop was held at the Bouganvillea Conference Room of the Bay Gardens Hotel and include site visits. At the session, the organizers facilitated interactive discourse between members of the local media and key officials of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology on wastewater management, with a view to increasing media knowledge and coverage of related issues. The media training exercise formed part of national activities under the Global Environment Facility-funded Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (GEF-CReW) project, which is coimplemented by the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme. The workshop covered wastewater management, along with issues and challenges faced in terms of health, tourism, agriculture and climate change.

PM, MPs and Senators tour Roseau Dam

The Government of Saint Lucia recently declared a water-related emergency for the island's north and Members of Parliament were able to see tangible evidence, Tuesday, the reason for the declaration. At a planned tour of the John Compton Dam, members of both the Upper and Lower Houses joined officials from the island's water utility company, the Water and Sewerage Company, WASCO, on an inspection of the facility. The visitors were able to see the level of siltation which is preventing the dam from realizing its full storage and supply distribution capacity. "We really have to bring people here to see just how compromised this dam is; just how much material (is clogging it). Saying that the dam has a capacity of 3 million cubic metres and half of it is silt - those numbers don't really mean anything to them. You have to be here to see the mass of silt, the boulders, the trees that are in the reservoir, the slopes around it that are compromised for you to really appreciate how big a problem it is," said Sen. Hon Dr. James Fletcher, Minister responsible for Public Utilities. With the level of siltation currently inside the reservoir, the consensus is, the situation is of major concern. Leading Tuesday's visit was Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs and Social Security, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony. The Prime Minister initially made the call for first a local media visit of the dam to bring the gravity of the situation to the people of Saint Lucia and then proposed the tour by Members of Parliament. Following the water emergency declaration, Dr. Fletcher said WASCO was working diligently towards addressing the situation affecting mostly

The Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and Senators toured the Roseau dam Tuesday to get a first-hand view of the magni tude of the problems facing the islands most important water facility. the north of the island. He noted that the water utility was recommissioing intakes which would feed the Ciceron treatment plant, and another in the Ravine Poisson area which would provide more water to help ease the heavy demand on the dam. Tuesdays visit to the dam was well attended by Members of Parliament and included both the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate.

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World Water Day 2014

A Major Success in Dominica!

Customers and Staff, Students and Youth, Press and Public all participated in several activities to mark the 20th World Water Day in the Land of 365 Rivers!
Continued from Page 1 Another highlight of the exhibition was the set-up of a temporary mini-theatre by DOWASCOs IT Department, where visitors were able to view a series of videos related to the importance of the worlds fresh water resources and were also given information on water conservation techniques. Over 1,800 students from primary and secondary schools in and around Roseau visited the exhibition. There was also a constant stream of adult visitors and all visitors were given small tokens supplies by DOWASCO. Other departments displaying at the exhibition were Customer Service, Operations and Maintenance and Water Treatment. A second activity hosted by DOWASCO was Customer Appreciation Day, on Friday 21st March, where customers who visited our offices in Roseau and in the northern town of Portsmouth were given the opportunity to interact with DOWASCO staff and were treated to light refreshments and tokens. A draw was also hosted with the names of all our customers who had zero balances at the end of February 2014 and ten lucky customers won three months free supply of water from DOWASCO. The message of preserving Dominicas fresh water resources was also imparted to the very young as DOWASCO partnered with the Roseau Library services to host an interactive session with the students of the Shalom Pre-School. Although the students were very young they had a very astute understanding of the importance of water in their daily lives. They were well prompted to spread the message of water conservation at home and school. On World Water Day March 22nd, Minister responsible for Water Management Resources, Hon. Reginald Austrie, delivered an address to the nation where he highlighted a number of areas where the Government of Dominica was engaged in ensuring the supply of water to communities around Dominica. In his address, he alluded to the fact that Dominica could soon be the first country in the world to boast of providing 100% access to potable water in all communities around the island. Hon. Austrie also took the opportunity to announce a partnership between DOWASCO and the Government of Dominica in an effort to eradicate pit latrines in Dominica and assist former users of such latrines to new washroom facilities. Also on World Water Day, the National Youth Council of Dominica (NYC) hosted and Advocacy Walk from the southern community of Point Michelle to Roseau. The participants wore World Water Day 2014 T-Shirts provided by DOWASCO and brought the message of water conservation to members of the general public as they walked by. The local media gave extensive coverage to all the activities for World Water Day 2014. Several radio and television reports as well as newspaper articles highlighted activities for Dominicas observance of world water day 2014. World Water Day 2014 activities in Dominica were a major success!

Viewers of exhibits were treated to refreshments.

World Water Day offered the opportunity to feature exhibits of various water facilities.

Students got guided displays of how various water facilities operate.

Water operators and technicians were on hand to explain the tools of their trade -- and how they work.