Across the Caribbean, prolonged dry conditions are placing increasing pressure on traditional water sources, and here at home, we are feeling those same realities.

Have you noticed what has happened to some of our traditional surface water sources? Potworks Reservoir and Bendals Valley, once important contributors to our water supply, have been significantly depleted by prolonged dry conditions.

Yet, despite this, the impact of drought on our overall water supply has not been as severe as we have experienced during some previous drought periods.

That is an important part of our water story.
Over the years, Antigua and Barbuda has invested significantly in reverse osmosis technology and expanded water production, reducing our dependence on rainfall at a time when rainfall has become increasingly unpredictable.

Our water story is not a perfect one. Some communities still experience interruptions, and there is more work to be done across our distribution network and supporting infrastructure. But during prolonged dry periods, the ability to turn seawater into potable water has strengthened our resilience and allowed us to continue producing millions of gallons each day.

Without that capacity, the challenges we face today would be far greater. But increased production does not mean water is unlimited. It remains one of our most precious resources, and conservation continues to be just as important. Every gallon we save helps to reduce pressure on the system and supports a more sustainable water supply for everyone.

There is still more work ahead, and for a customer waiting for water, progress can never come quickly enough. But every new plant, pipeline and infrastructure upgrade brings us closer to a more resilient water system.

Take a few minutes and watch The Story of Water, a look at where we have been, the challenges we still face, and the work being done to secure Antigua and Barbuda’s water future.