Water and Sewerage Department

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Water and Sewerage Department

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Some residents and visitors alike continue to be affected by the constant water interruptions in several areas.

On Friday, July 27, the Water and Sewerage Department issued a press release advising customers in the Long Bay area that there will be no water supply, starting from that date until further notice. According to the department, this lack of water supply is due to construction works being carried out by the Department of Public Works in the area opposite the Sunset House in Long Bay.

"Customers are advised to use alternate sources of water during this time," the department stated.

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark Vanterpool speaking on the issue which is affecting persons in several communities, said during the summer the demand for water in the Territory increases.

"Usually in the summer, a number of things happen; kids are out of school, they are at home demanding and using more water, visitors are of a greater level for the festival season and so on. The demand is greater and then the dry season affects it also," the Minister told BVI Platinum News yesterday, July 30.

He said they have been able to increase the water supply compared to what was previously being produced.

"We have just completed some important cleaning of the membranes of the water plant in Baughers Bay; the supply has increased from what was being produced. We are now beginning from this week to increase our storage at the tanks and following that, hopefully in the next couple of days, water will be on a little more reliable supply," he explained.

However, the Minister said they will have to continue with the rationing of water supply, noting that due to festival, areas such as Road Town will not be cut off.

"It doesn't mean that we wouldn't have to ration a bit of water during the time; for example, we don't cut water off in certain areas in Road Town area, especially during the festival time at the village; and so we are monitoring that. But there is an increase of supply over the last couple of days...Over the next couple of weeks we will be rationing as we have; however, we will increase the supply in the Road Town area, especially during the festival season," Minister Vanterpool stated.

The Water and Sewerage Department has stated that all affected customers are asked to exercise patience and understanding, and according to the department, it strives to fulfill its commitment to provide a continuous supply of safe potable water to all BVI residents.