The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has stopped extracting water from the Potworks Reservoir due to worsening drought conditions and critically low water levels, raising concerns about continued water reliability for several communities across the island.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the APUA Water Business Unit said the Potworks Reservoir — the country’s largest surface water catchment — can no longer safely sustain water extraction after months of below-average rainfall.

The reservoir has long supported the Delaps Water Treatment Facility, which supplies communities in the south-eastern section of Antigua. Officials said the system had been contributing roughly 1.2 million imperial gallons of water daily to the national network before drought conditions severely reduced reservoir levels.

Despite the shutdown of the Potworks/Delaps system, APUA said the country is still producing an average of 8.5 million imperial gallons of water per day through reverse osmosis plants and groundwater systems.

The utility company noted that recently commissioned reverse osmosis facilities have helped cushion the impact of the loss of surface water production and will now play a larger role in maintaining supply across the island.

Customers previously served by the Potworks system will instead receive water from the Crabbs Reverse Osmosis Plant and the Barnacle Point Reverse Osmosis Facility.

However, APUA warned that some customers could experience temporary service interruptions, lower water pressure, and longer wait times between service periods while the distribution network is adjusted — especially residents living in elevated areas.

Communities expected to be affected include American Road, All Saints Road, Belmont, Bethesda, Briggins, Buckleys, Folly Hill, Horsford Hill, John Hughes, Liberta, Ottos New Town, Patterson, Radio Range, St. Clair Heights, Swetes, Wallings, and parts of Falmouth.

APUA also revealed that work is continuing on new transmission lines in Herbert’s and that a new 3.2 million imperial gallon reverse osmosis facility remains on track for commissioning later this year. Officials added that efforts are ongoing to identify additional groundwater sources through new well development projects.

The Water Business Unit is urging residents to continue conserving water and maintain adequate storage supplies as the country navigates the ongoing drought conditions.