In a bid to address ongoing water production challenges, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is embarking on two key projects aimed at increasing water collection and reducing production costs.

Acting Water Business Unit Manager Jason ‘Bassue’ Peters outlined the initiative during a recent discussion, revealing that the authority is exploring the possibility of constructing a dam to capture water from the John Hughes and Bendal areas. This project would allow APUA to increase surface water collection, which is expected to help alleviate water shortages.

“We are thinking of damming the water coming from the John Hughes area via Bendal. This will allow us to collect more surface water and increase our overall supply,” Peters explained. “By storing more water, we can better respond to fluctuating demand.”

In addition to the dam proposal, APUA is also looking into the potential of drilling wells in certain areas. This would provide a more cost-effective way to produce water, as the wells could decrease the need for extensive pipeline infrastructure.

“When we dig wells, it reduces the cost of production,” said Peters. “Currently, we send pipelines out, and while there are issues with turbidity, the wells could prove to be a valuable alternative.”

While digging the foundations for another project, APUA discovered that precipitation and groundwater were naturally rising to the surface, further highlighting the potential of wells in these areas.

Peters emphasised that both projects are still in the early stages of planning, with feasibility studies to determine their environmental and economic viability. He reassured the public that APUA would continue to focus on sustainable solutions to enhance water supply across the island.

As Antigua and Barbuda faces increasing demand for water, APUA is committed to exploring innovative strategies to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for residents.