Grenadians urged to comply with water restrictions or face $500 fine

In Grenada don’t think about using a hose to water your garden or even think about filling a swimming pool or manmade pond with water supplied by NAWASA because if caught, you can face a fine as high as EC$500 or in default one month imprisonment if the fine is not paid.  

Water usage restrictions will come into effect in Grenada from Sunday, May 12 until further notice provided under the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) legislation. 

In a media conference on Thursday, NAWASA’s in-house legal counsel explained the Regulation is meant to stop the use of large quantities of water.  

From Sunday, May 12 there will be stringent restrictions on the usage of water supplied by NAWASA for:  

•  Irrigation and watering of gardens, lawns and the grounds through hoses;

• Washing roadways, pavements, paths, garages, outrooms, vehicles with the use of hoses;

• The filling of swimming pools and ponds with water supplied by NAWASA.  

Generally, any use which is considered excessive is also restricted from Sunday, May 12. These restrictions can be enforced by NAWASA through the Royal Grenada Police Force.  

Boris is urging the public to cooperate and restrict their use of water as there’s not an adequate supply of water for every household in Grenada.  

Meanwhile, Terrence Smith, NAWASA’s Acting General Manager revealed the island is facing a severe water supply shortfall, particularly in the south of St George as well as other areas like the parishes of St Andrew, and Saint Patrick as the island continues to face little to no rainfall in wahtersheds and catchments.

He said while efforts were being made to equitably distribute limited supplies to the south of the island, the situation has reached a stage where NAWASA has very little water left to pump from the Grand Etang Lake which augments the supply to the Annandale Treatement Plant which supplies an extensive area, including large parts of southern St George as far as south as Point Saline.  

As a result, Smith said management took the decision after getting the approval of the Board of Directors, to invoke the restrictions on water use provided under the NAWASA legislation.  

According Mo the regulations, NAWASA had to give four days notice which is why the restrictions go into effect on may 12.  

Smith said: “In our discussions over the last few days we are aware that we’re not sure what will happen after the end of May. We’re planning for the worst but hoping for the best. We’re also hoping for rain before the end of May.”  

NAWASA is taking steps to engage with the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) as Smith said they have to assume it would be very dry for an indeterminate period.  

Smith said NAWASA is also taking steps to mobilise some water storage receptacles. “We are planning for a protracted dry period.”  

Grenada’s last severe drought such as the one they believe the island is entering, took place in 2010. Smith said he realises alot of young people are not aware what it is like living through a severe drought as it has been 14 years since Grenada experienced such conditions.  

Choosing his words carefully, Smith said they believe Grenada is nearing what could technically be called a drought situation.