Government Signs Agreement with Japanese Company to Introduce Household Water Recycling Systems

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has signed an agreement with Japanese company Wata to introduce individual water recycling systems aimed at helping households conserve water and reduce dependence on traditional supplies amid ongoing drought conditions.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister last week. Minister responsible for Utilities, Hon. Melford Nicholas, signed on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, alongside Japanese Ambassador Yusuke Miyasaka and a representative of Wata.

Speaking at the signing, Minister Nicholas said the country is facing a severe drought that has increased reliance on desalination plants due to reduced output from other water sources.

“Water, as we know, is a precious commodity, so whatever we can do in terms of recycling water and being conservative with the use of this scarce and expensive resource is going to receive significant attention from APUA. This is where our relationship with Wata becomes extremely important,” he said.

The minister explained that Wata has spent the past year engaging with APUA engineers to demonstrate its technology, which is capable of recycling household grey water and converting it into potable water that meets World Health Organization standards.

According to Nicholas, the system can recover and recycle as much as 60 percent of the water used in homes.

“This facility has the ability to recycle water and produce potable water to WHO standards, which is a unique situation. It allows us to retain a significant portion of the water that would otherwise be wasted,” he said.

Nicholas added that he was impressed by the technology because it not only conserves water but also promotes a culture of recycling and sustainable water management among homeowners.

He noted that several Caribbean countries are also experiencing drought and water shortages and expressed hope that Antigua and Barbuda’s experience with the technology could eventually benefit neighbouring states.

“I anticipate that this system, once it delivers in the manner that we all know it can, there will be opportunities elsewhere in the region for these products and we will see increased demand from around the Caribbean,” he said.

The minister revealed that Wata has already established demonstration units at its facility on Friars Hill Road for public viewing. Additionally, one of the systems has been installed at a private residence, where the homeowner’s experience is being closely monitored.

Nicholas said he has personally sampled the recycled water and was unable to distinguish it from commercially available drinking water.