Ministry urges water conservation in dry season advisory

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change has escalated its warnings to Saint Lucian residents and enterprises as the nation progresses into the most arid phase of its annual dry season. With meteorological patterns indicating significantly diminished rainfall—a condition frequently exacerbated by Saharan dust incursions—authorities highlight critical vulnerabilities in domestic water provision, agricultural output, and commercial continuity. The dry season, spanning from December through May, characteristically presents substantial rainfall deficits. Officials caution that absent preemptive action, these persistent arid conditions may precipitate disruptive supply interruptions, diminished agricultural productivity, and heightened operational stress on water distribution services. In response, the Ministry is advocating for a tripartite strategy: strategic water storage, capacity expansion initiatives, and conscientious consumption practices. The public is advised to tailor water storage plans according to household size, usage patterns, and local disruption risks. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is promoted as a sustainable, year-round auxiliary to the treated supply provided by WASCO. Citizens are further encouraged to remain apprised of developments through weekly forecasts and official advisories. Jason Ernest, Director of the Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA), emphasized that systemic resilience is contingent upon immediate collective action. He asserted that bolstering storage infrastructure, adopting rainwater harvesting, and implementing efficiency measures are pivotal strategies for mitigating shortage vulnerabilities and preserving the island’s finite water resources. For additional guidance, the WRMA can be contacted via telephone at 468-5663, 468-5664, or 468-5669.