Barbados Water Authority Lifts Ban on Excessive Water Use, Urges Conservation: Updates on Aquifer Levels and Rainy Season Projections

The ban on excessive water use ended on August 31, but Barbadians are being advised to still practise conservation as restrictions could be re-imposed should aquifer levels not improve over the course of the rainy season.

“This decision was based on the fact that the review of the present climatic conditions on the water resources on the island, showed that there has been a small but generally consistent improvement or recovery of the island’s groundwater levels and that the salinity levels along the West Coast have stabilised,” said a release from the Barbados Water Authority.

“When examined in conjunction with the outlook from the Barbados Meteorological Services, which is predicting average rainfall levels in September and above average for October and November, this improvement is expected to continue as we progress into the rainy season. It is for these reasons that the decision was taken to discontinue the Prohibition at the end of August 2023.”

The BWA introduced water prohibition from April 24 to June 30, but it was then extended to the end of August. Among the measures were:

Use of potable water for the irrigation of gardens, lawns by hose or by sprinkler systems, is prohibited.

The use of a hose in washing roadways, pavements, paths, garages and vehicles, is prohibited.

The filling of supply tanks, ponds and swimming pools is not allowed.

The washing of windows and building exteriors is not allowed during this period.

People failing to adhere to the regulations could face a fine of $500 or one month in prison.

The BWA said that enhanced monitoring of the coastal wells along with weekly monitoring of the inland wells would continue. (PR/SAT)