EDITORIAL - Conserving water should be a priority

 

Barbados is classified as a ‘water scarce’ country by the UN Commission on Water. The country has experienced drought conditions before, most notably between 1994 -1995, and at that time the government was forced to conduct a full review of available water resources. The most comprehensive response came in the form of the Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis (BWRO) plant, started in 2000, which converts brackish water to potable water, supplying an estimated 44 000 people. Other measures were introduced, including the use of bucketed water to wash cars and the restriction on filling pools during the time of the water shortage. These measures are still as useful today, however, in times of abundance of rainwater, what is Barbados’ contingency plan? Several scholars have suggested that we harvest the water for farming, which currently utilises more water than households annually. Several years ago, some farmers were exploring that option and they were further encouraged by officialdom to “make better use of the technology available”.
 
Despite this warning, very little use is still made of surface or spring water. Yet, on the other side of the coin, there are constant complaints about the flooding that excess rainfall causes. The voices that offer credible working solutions on how to deal with our declining water quality, such as recycling, are somewhere along the line, drowned out by the complaints about drainage problems in several areas. Once again, common-sense and a proactive approach are lost to the reactive attitude that too often threatens progress in this country.
 
It is necessary for us to acknowledge that water conservation in Barbados or any country, is a multifaceted challenge, requiring a comprehensive and well thought out response. The initiative to introduce a water treatment plant at the Villages at Coverley should be commended, because this effort will supply that community with reclaimed water for non-potable uses. It is hoped that this initiative will prove a successful solution for water uses in that community and will promote similar positive water conservation drives in other communities.
 
We should all take note of these developments, and be reminded that Barbados cannot afford to waste one of its most precious resources. Despite the successful measures taken by the Barbados Water Authority and Government in past years to ensure a clean and available water supply, we are still a water scarce country and there is more to be done. We should not rest on our laurels. We must take action now to avert the lengths to which our neighbours have been forced to resort. A rejuvenated team at the BWA and Government must spearhead the effort, by ensuring a more efficient distribution system, 
replacing old, leaking pipes which account for a significant amount of wastage and generally instituting better controls. 
 
Citizens too must play a part. It is never too early to teach children about the importance of water conservation. Improving their knowledge of the subject is instrumental to the survival of our industries and our economy. Water is a necessity; we must do everything in our power to protect it.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000