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At Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, members welcomed the WOTA Group, a Japanese company, to present its groundbreaking approach to wastewater treatment through the use of small plants designed for household and commercial applications.
The initiative targets the effective treatment of greywater—water that has not come into contact with harmful substances—generated from APUA water systems.
The presentation highlighted the ability of these small plants to remove pollutants and impurities from wastewater, effectively transforming it into pure, potable water.
This treated water has a variety of potential uses, from human consumption to irrigation in gardens and other non-potable applications.
Officials from the Department of the Environment joined the WOTA team in the presentation.
Together, they discussed the successful testing of three experimental plants, currently operational at different locations across Antigua since 2024.
According to the presenters, the performance of these plants has exceeded expectations, producing water of a quality that is indistinguishable from that sourced from conventional suppliers.
To illustrate their success, the WOTA Group showcased two sealed bottles during the meeting—one containing water from a traditional supplier and the other from their wastewater treatment plant. Cabinet members noted the similarity in clarity, smell, and even taste between the two samples.
In addition to the impressive results, the group emphasized their commitment to rigorous quality control, reporting that the output water is tested weekly and sent to a laboratory in Japan for further analysis.
While the plants come with a significant price tag, Cabinet members discussed their potential application in upcoming National Housing projects across Antigua and soon in Barbuda, where access to clean water is paramount.
The introduction of WOTA’s innovative technology could represent a significant advancement in sustainable water management for the Caribbean region, addressing the pressing need for effective wastewater solutions.
I know some countries like America, Wastewater treatment are purified and used as flushing water in the household.
I remember in the late seventies and early eighties, such plant was located on Burma Road where the government motor pool now sits. I think it was a private company was operation turning the wastewater into purified water. We the students coming from Clare Hall Secondary School used stopped by and watched the operation. Some of the students even drank a sample of the purified water. I don’t know what caused the plant to closed because the operation didn’t last long.