The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) Water Business Unit has ceased water extraction from the Potworks Reservoir following a sustained drop in water levels caused by prolonged drought conditions. According to Antigua News Room, the halt affects what is the island's largest surface water catchment, which feeds the Delaps Water Treatment Facility serving communities across the south-eastern sections of Antigua.
For several months, the reservoir had consistently contributed an average of approximately 1.2 million imperial gallons of water daily to the national distribution network. Continued low rainfall, however, has reduced reservoir levels to a point where extraction can no longer proceed safely or sustainably.
Despite the loss of that production volume, APUA says the national water supply is being maintained at an average of approximately 8.5 million imperial gallons per day through its reverse osmosis and groundwater systems. The Water Business Unit noted that additional reverse osmosis facilities commissioned over the past year have significantly strengthened overall supply capacity and are helping to offset the shortfall from the Potworks/Delaps system.
Customers previously served through the Potworks/Delaps system will now receive water via the Crabbs Reverse Osmosis Plant and the Barnacle Point Reverse Osmosis Facility. During this transition, APUA has cautioned that some customers may experience temporary service interruptions, reduced water pressure, or longer intervals between service periods, particularly in elevated areas.
Communities that may be affected include American Road, All Saints Road, Belmont, Bethesda, Biggins, Buckleys, Folly Hill, Horsford Hill, John Hughes, Liberta, Ottos New Town, Patterson, Radio Range, St. Clair Heights, Swetes, Wallings, and parts of Falmouth.
APUA is also finalising new transmission lines in the Herbert's area to further support water delivery from the Crabbs and Barnacle Point facilities. A new 3.2 million imperial gallon Reverse Osmosis Facility remains on schedule for commissioning later this year, and the authority's Hydrology Team continues to explore additional groundwater sources through active well development.
APUA acknowledged that reliable access to potable water is essential to daily life and assured the public that multiple infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening water operations are actively underway. The authority is urging customers to continue practising water conservation and to maintain adequate storage where possible, while expressing appreciation for the public's patience as teams work to manage the ongoing effects of the drought.
