The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has ceased water extraction from the Potworks Reservoir following a prolonged drought that has driven water levels to critically low points, raising concerns about reliable water supply for communities across the island.
According to Antigua.news, APUA's Water Business Unit issued a statement Tuesday confirming that the Potworks Reservoir — Antigua's largest surface water catchment — can no longer safely sustain extraction after months of below-average rainfall.
The reservoir has historically supplied the Delaps Water Treatment Facility, which serves communities throughout the south-eastern section of Antigua. Before drought conditions severely depleted reservoir levels, the system contributed approximately 1.2 million imperial gallons of water daily to the national network.
Despite the shutdown of the Potworks/Delaps system, APUA said the country continues to produce an average of 8.5 million imperial gallons per day through reverse osmosis plants and groundwater systems. The authority noted that recently commissioned reverse osmosis facilities have helped offset the loss of surface water production and will now carry a greater share of the national supply burden.
Customers previously served by the Potworks system will be redirected to supply from the Crabbs Reverse Osmosis Plant and the Barnacle Point Reverse Osmosis Facility.
However, APUA cautioned that some customers may experience temporary service interruptions, reduced water pressure, and longer intervals between service periods as the distribution network is adjusted. Residents in elevated areas are expected to feel the disruption most acutely.
Communities likely to be affected include American Road, All Saints Road, Belmont, Bethesda, Briggins, Buckleys, Folly Hill, Horsford Hill, John Hughes, Liberta, Ottos New Town, Patterson, Radio Range, St. Clair Heights, Swetes, Wallings, and parts of Falmouth.
APUA also confirmed that work on new transmission lines in Herbert's is ongoing, and that a new 3.2 million imperial gallon reverse osmosis facility remains on schedule for commissioning later this year. Efforts to identify additional groundwater sources through new well development projects are also continuing.
The Water Business Unit is urging residents to conserve water and maintain adequate storage supplies as the island continues to manage the effects of the ongoing drought.
