APUA may move to constructing wells for storing sea water to supply to RO Plants during rough weather, Nicholas says

The construction of wells appears to be another option, as the Government seeks to address the ongoing water crisis and supply households with the commodity.

The purpose of installing Reverse Osmosis Plants was to ensure that communities have water on a 24-hour basis.  However, according to reports, rough seas have made the intake of sea water impossible at times, often resulting in the fresh-water supply being curtailed or cut off to many households.

Newly appointed Minister of Public Utilities Melford Nicholas made a report on water production and distribution, and his plans to address both, at the February 15 Cabinet meeting.

According to this week’s Notes, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) “will likely follow other nations and construct deep wells on land near the ocean into which filtered water will flow from the sea.”

This, it says, will allow for that water to remain a source for desalination even when the sea is rough.

The minister reportedly visited virtually every Reverse Osmosis Plant across the island in order to get a first-hand look at the challenges APUA faces.

He says the plants require security fencing and cameras in order to guard against mischief and vandalism.

Spare parts for the plants have also been an issue in the past, and Nicholas says this is being addressed.

Meanwhile, some residents are asking why the Administration continues to focus only on desalination while ignoring the other main other water catchments, including Potworks Dam, which has deteriorated into a forest.

A resident, who notes it is more costly to use desalination, is also  wondering about the Government’s promise of water tanks and the plan to bring online the storage tanks that the United Progressive Party (UPP) had put in place.

Rain is not falling in abundance, she agrees, but at those times when the country is so blessed, the tanks could be gradually filled, she says.