Antigua and Barbuda is producing approximately 11 million gallons of water per day, a record output achieved in the midst of one of the most severe droughts the island has experienced in decades. According to Antigua.news, Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed the figures during Saturday's edition of the Browne and Browne radio programme.
Browne described the production milestone as a direct result of his administration's sustained investments in water infrastructure. "Barring two mornings ago, we have not had a good shower of rain for about nine months. Yet we are still producing up to 11 million gallons of water every day," he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Potworks Dam is practically dry and that the country has minimal surface water available. He also referenced recent findings from the Meteorological Office indicating that May was the driest month recorded since 1928.
Browne credited the Government's extensive investments in reverse osmosis plants and desalination facilities with keeping the country from slipping into a full-scale national water crisis. He acknowledged, however, that some communities continue to face intermittent water shortages and said efforts are underway to resolve those issues.
Looking ahead, Browne announced plans to add a further two million gallons of daily production capacity before the end of the year. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) intends to install a 1.5 million-gallon plant at Crabs and a 400,000-gallon facility at Friars Hill, the latter using equipment donated by the Government of Japan.
Browne said the additional capacity will meaningfully strengthen the country's water security and better position Antigua and Barbuda to withstand future drought conditions.
