The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has advised that operational adjustments are currently underway at the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (DESALCOTT) facility.
A statement from WASA on Thursday said due to recent changes in the quality of the source water entering the plant, there has been a temporary reduction in the amount of water produced and subsequently supplied to WASA.
It said DESALCOTT advised that since February 22nd, it observed changes in the raw seawater at their intake. These variations, which are usually a natural occurrence in raw water sources, have resulted in an above normal presence of organic material. To protect the integrity of the equipment and ensure the final quality of the drinking water, the plant’s processes have been adjusted.
WASA has assured that there is no risk to public health, water quality remains uncompromised, and all treated water supplied by DESALCOTT continues to meet the highest safety standards.
Investigations are ongoing, with sampling being conducted in surrounding areas, including the Couva River outlet, as part of the monitoring protocol to better understand the factors influencing the raw water supply.
WASA stated that while production levels remained largely stable throughout late February, the recent shift in raw water conditions prompted an operational adjustment on March 2nd. Output was carefully managed to ensure treatment processes remained effective, resulting in a temporary reduction that is expected to impact water supply to communities normally served by the Desalcott facility.
Affected areas include:
Caroni, Warrenville, Cunupia, Chaguanas, Caparo, Chase Village, Couva, Point Lisas, California, Claxton Bay, Plaisance Park, Pointe-à-Pierre, City of San Fernando, Vistabella, Gasparillo, Marabella, South West Union Hall, Pleasantville, Palmiste, Phillipine, Duncan Village, Esperance, Gulf View, Bel Air, La Romain, South Oropouche, Otaheite, Rousillac, Aripero, parts of La Brea, Avocat, Fyzabad, parts of Siparia including De Gannes Village and Quarry Village, San Francique, Debe, Syne Village, Lowkie Trace, Sunrees Road, and Mora Dam Road.
WASA said it is working closely with DESALCOTT to monitor the situation and manage available resources, with the shared goal of returning operations to normalcy in the shortest possible time. The Authority is urging customers to use water wisely and to store an adequate supply during periods when service delivery proves challenging. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
For assistance or to request a truck-borne supply, customers can contact WASA’s Customer Contact Centre, toll-free, at 800-4420/26.