EDITORIAL - Water scarcity a serious issue
“When the well runs dry, we know the worth of water.” – Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
When those words were spoken more than two centuries ago by Benjamin Franklin, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, he had no idea that they would be as apt today in the year 2020, as they were then. With many more people inhabiting the world than at that time as well, the limited access to water that more than 30 per cent of the world’s population experiences, is even more alarming and brings into sharp focus the need to produce water where we can and conserve it as much as possible.
While drought might be considered by some as simply a climatic problem, the fact is that droughts, which refer to abnormally low rainfall leading to water shortages, are not only challenging countries’ abilities to supply food, but putting increased pressure on economies. While that is the case, there are many Barbadians who appear to be in denial about this country’s water scarce reality. But, we can ill afford to continue to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that once we ignore the problem it will go away – that is definitely not going to happen.
Now whether we blame climate change or some other phenomenon, 2019 saw the lowest record of rainfall for this country since 1947. Last month we were told by the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, that concerted efforts should be made to lessen the fallout of the dry spells we have been experiencing, and which are expected to last well into this year. With those spells come the increased risk of plants withering, reduced crop yields and the risk of fire.
What the experts made clear then, and what frankly they have been saying for years, is that the country needs to better monitor its water resources and ensure that we conserve as much as possible. With May fast approaching, when the dry period traditionally starts, we need to have a game plan in place and prepare as best as possible.
Indeed, we have seen the Barbados Water Authority seeking to prepare for the worse, having upgraded the desalination plant at Spring Garden and installed a number of booster stations. We also heard late last month that the BWA would be reintroducing a water prohibition notice soon, to aid in tackling the drought situation. Last year the ban was in place from June to November, and with limited rainfall already this year, we think it safe to assume it would be for a similar six-month period, or perhaps even longer. The reports that the conditions of the prohibition this time around are expected to be more stringent than before is welcome, as each and every person has a responsibility to conserve water.
What is clear is that we must properly balance the demand for water with the existing water resources available, while at the same time, look at securing potable water through various other means. Our water problem must be examined thoroughly, recognising that if our current supply is not properly handled, we could be in danger of not having enough water to meet the needs of future generations. So we definitely have to look at other ways of securing potable water.
The BWA has said they have plans of upgrading the sewage treatment plants to tertiary facilities to aid in that effort, and that is to be encouraged. But certainly they must also recognise that serious education campaigns will have to be employed to ensure that persons understand that the water being produced would be safe for consumption. We should also consider constructing additional desalination plants in the country sooner rather than later. Yes such construction would be costly, but we are surrounded by water, albeit salt water, and should make use of every resource at our disposal.