Residents in several communities across Antigua are being advised to prepare for changes in their water supply after the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) announced that surface water levels at the Bendals Valley source have fallen below the level required for extraction.

According to APUA’s Water Business Unit, communities that are normally supplied by the Bendals Water Treatment Plant will now receive water from the Ffryes Reverse Osmosis Plant, along with available well sources within the Bendals Valley, as the utility works to maintain service.

The affected communities include Bendals Village, Bendals Road, Bathlodge, Cashew Hill, Whenner Road, Brownes Avenue, Martins Village, DeSouza Road, Tindale Road, Golden Grove Eastern Section and Golden Grove Extension.

APUA noted that the Ffryes Reverse Osmosis Plant already serves Big Creek, Ebenezer, Jennings, Bolans, Crab Hill, Johnsons Point, Urlings, Cades Bay and Old Road. With the plant now supplying an expanded customer base, residents in both service areas may experience lower water pressure, shorter periods of water availability and longer intervals between scheduled distribution days.

To manage the limited supply, water distribution will be rotated among the affected communities. Customers are being encouraged to store water responsibly whenever service is available and to continue practising water conservation measures.

The Water Business Unit thanked customers for their patience and understanding as it continues to manage the island’s available water resources during the reduced extraction period.