May 21, 2020

Water Restrictions In Place For “Harsh Dry Season” Says WASA

By Newsroom

In light of the current harsh Dry Season, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is reminding customers to be mindful of their water use, in accordance with its Water Use Restrictions implemented on January 28th, 2019

WASA lamented that the current dry season is having a negative impact on water production at several of its surface water treatment facilities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

See the basis of WASA’s statement below:

These restrictions pertain to the use of hosepipes and any similar apparatus for the purpose of, among other things, watering private gardens and or washing private motor cars, which is prohibited in accordance with the Water and Sewerage Act Chapter 54:40 of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago (the “Act”).

This situation is affecting the reliability of supply to various communities, particularly those which are elevated or at the extremities of the distribution system.

However, some persons not directly affected, have been engaging in the wasteful use of water as prohibited under the restrictions.

Therefore, customers and the general public are further reminded that, under the Act, the Authority has the responsibility for administering the supply of water and promoting the conservation and proper use of water resources as follows:

• Upon giving notice to the public, the Authority may prohibit or restrict the use of its water supplied through a hosepipe or similar apparatus for the purpose of watering gardens or washing motor vehicles. This includes the use of sprinklers, pressure washers, as well as decorative fountains, waterfalls and other outdoor artistic features that utilize water.

• The Act places responsibility on the owner/occupier of any premises to maintain and keep any water fittings in good condition so that the water supplied to those premises will not be wasted, misused or unduly consumed or contaminated before use.

• The prohibition of any owner or occupier of any premises supplied with water by the Authority, to supply or permit another person to take any of that water for use in other premises.

• The prohibition of any person from taking, using or diverting water from a reservoir, water course, conduit, pipe or other apparatus belonging to the Authority.

• The prohibition of any person from willfully or negligently operating or otherwise interfering with any valve or other apparatus belonging to and utilized by the Authority for supplying water.

• The prohibition of any person from attaching any pipe or apparatus or making any alteration to any pipe belonging to the Authority.

The Authority will be stepping up its surveillance for compliance with the above water use restrictions and will be pursuing the prosecution of persons found to be in breach of the said restrictions. Any person found in breach of this prohibition is liable to a fine upon summary conviction.

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