Water - a very essential resource and commodity - is one that the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) seeks to have more of for the island of New Providence.

The one sure way to increase water levels will be through reverse osmosis (RO) plants in strategic locations and increasing water storage capacity.

On Thursday in the boardroom of the Corporation, general manager Abraham L Butler outlined the challenges being faced and the corrective initiatives they plan to implement.

Next week, from May 1 to May 6 will be recognised as the 15th Annual National Water week under the theme "Past challenges, new solutions... Promising future."

The general manager explained that three reverse osmosis plants will be constructed at Arawak Cay, Blue Hills and Winton, "to bring about a permanent solution to the water crisis faced by New Providence residents over the past years."

Reverse osmosis

RO plants are gradually being introduced to supplement or replace groundwater sources in many of the islands, particularly in the southeastern islands that are much drier. Those islands are challenged with inadequate fresh water supplies and seasonal drought. "These plants are being introduced despite the poor economic returns associated with serving these small scattered communities," he pointed out.

Further, he explained, recent hurricanes have caused the Corporation to change its policy and practices to reduce the vulnerability of the water supply. The general manager noted that a major policy change has been to increase the desalination or reverse osmosis capacity. Over the next few years, the number of RO plants are expected to grow from eight to 16, he stated.

These RO plants will produce 5 million gallons of water per day. The plan with the RO plants is to have an adequate supply of water to provide for residents, he said. Water is still being barged in with three vessels operational, the latest being the MV Kera. Water barging will eventually be phased out, Mr Butler said.

He also noted that a contract has been awarded to Consolidated Water Company with construction expected to start after the final stages of talks are completed.

Other measures for consideration include:

• Increasing water storage and ensuring storage facilities are filled prior to storms and hurricanes.
• Using standby generators at pumping stations to limit disruption in electricity supply; and
• Improving protection of transmission or distribution lines in areas subject to storm surge or flood damage.

Water rationing

Mr Butler noted that there has been water rationing in the capital for a number of years, where the demand has outstripped the supply.

"This rising demand for potable water is further complicated because the unaccounted-for-water is now estimated to be 50 per cent," he said. An aggressive metering and waste programme will be activated in order to try and rectify the situation, he said.

He noted further that, "The aging and deteriorating condition of the mains on New Providence has resulted in significant quantities of unaccounted-for-water, low pressures, rusty water and other problems, and the mains require substantial expenditures for repairs, renewals and replacements."

Leaks in the mains also have to be dealt with as well.

With the RO plants on the agenda, change should be on the way, as construction on the Blue Hills site should begin by the end of the year, Mr Butler said. Additionally with the challenges experienced during last year's hurricanes, he continued, the Corporation is prepared despite limited resources.

Water reserves have a maximum capacity of some 40 million gallons, which can supply New Providence water demands for about five days. "At this point in time we are probably around 30 million in storage; again we prefer being above 35 million," he stated.

Specific matters warranting concern, Mr Butler said, include:

1. Limited water reserves, which lead to inconsistencies between distribution of freshwater reserves with distribution of development activity and population on some islands.
2. Extreme weather events, which are known to affect some water reserves, as well as transmission and distribution lines;
3. Sea level rise, which could affect the capacity of freshwater aquifers and the quality of groundwater in the future."

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In 1976, the Government established the Water and Sewerage Corporation to replace the Water and Sewerage Department of the Ministry of Works and Utilities. The Corporation is governed by an appointed Board of Directors and the Chief Executive officer or general manager.

According to the Water and Sewerage Corporation Act of 1976 they: -

"Control and ensure the optimum development, use and protection of natural resources.

"Co-ordinate activities influencing quality, quantity, distribution and use of water;

"Provide sufficient water for domestic, agricultural, urban and industrial uses; and

"Provide adequate facilities for drainage and safe disposal of sewerage."

The purpose of water week is to:

• To educate and inform the public of the role of the Water and Sewerage Corporation in supplying the water needs of The Bahamas;
• To educate and inform the public of the entire water supply and demand process in The Bahamas;
• To educate and inform the public on water conservation and the need to protect the groundwater supply;
• To familiarise the general public with the Water and Sewerage Corporation and;
•  To encourage cohesiveness and camaraderie among Water and Sewerage employees.