Two experts, in water production and distribution are currently on the island to commence the Drinking Water study which Commissioner of Water Affairs signed for during the Caribbean Netherlands week in March. The experts are from Evides, the drinking water production company from the city of Rotterdam. They were asked by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment (I&M) to conduct the study because they were already familiar with the region having done work on the St. Eustatius, planning the production side of the water operation there.
Commissioner Bruce Zagers, held an introductory meeting to inform the experts of the issues that affect the water supply on the island, particularly as they relate to the quality and quantity of the water supply on the island.
The first and foremost problem the commissioner explained is related to storage capacity, because of the limited capacity for storage on the island, the water plants have to shut down when there is considerable rainfall. However, when there is little or no rainfall, as occurred recently, they are unable to produce sufficient water to meet the demand of household and businesses.
Along with the storage capacity for fresh water, he also spoke about the need for increased grey water storage, because a great deal of water flows over the roads when it rains and is for the most part lost.
Another factor that affects access to water is related to the costs of transportation, with the costs varying depending on what part of the island the water has to be delivered to. This variation in price affects the affordability of water, particularly to residents with low incomes.
He noted that is not only households that feel the impact when there is a drought, but businesses, especially those in the tourism industry, have the quality of operations and services provided to their guests affected by the high prices and long wait times for water.
The study will also focus on increasing water quality on the island; Zagers mentioned that the government is in favor of having filters installed at every household on the island. This would ensure that the cistern water would become more potable, which would also reduce the use of bottled water on the island and would help residents save money.
The experts explained that the intention of the study is to focus on different possibilities, to provide more reliable access to drinking water and that they would explore all options, so that they can come up with a realistic plan that is in the interest of the island, that can also be realized in the shortest possible timeframe.
While on the island, they will meet various stakeholders to get different views on possible operations suitable for the island.