Climate change worsens water conditions in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago: Climate change in Trinidad and Tobago has worsened the conditions for the citizens. The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has highlighted that unprecedented evaporation led to such situations.The Water and Sewerage Authority is working towards addressing the issues and have already put measures in place to deal with an unsteady supply. However, the restrictions will still be detrimental.Considering situations in the country, WASA even stated that it is expected that the nation will get water three days a week from 6am to 6pm. But, as per the revised schedule, the water is available just once in a week and that also when people are asleep.One of the individuals even shared that the water pressure is not strong enough due to which even the tanks did not fill. And, each day, people have to call for water truck service from the authority to fill two 400 gallon tanks.Significantly, it has come into light that there are three barrels which are to collect rainwater as a backup. But, this also is not possible due to no rain. There is no doubt that it acts as a life saver during the rainy season but such an issue at present times has made the situation so hard.To cope with the situations, citizens even shared that they have limited the use of water by stopping using the shower and using tall buckets instead. Even so, they ensure not to use more water than required.“My 7 year old son has learnt to use a cup when brushing his teeth and washing his face instead of keeping the faucet running,” added one of the citizens.Probing ahead, WASA extended the suggestions to the people to conserve water. Importantly, has even implemented various emergency measures in Trinidad and Tobago which includes:

• Establishing a Central Command Centre (CCC) to monitor production to supply water 24 hours a day.
• Adding three contact numbers which can be used between 10pm and 6am; these are, 463-8360, 496-6738, 709-7793
• Increasing the water capacity
• Redirecting the supply to adversely affected areas
• Reviewing water supply schedules
• Contracting Seven Seas Desalination to increase production by 300,000 gpd.