Caribbean Water and Sewage Association Inc.

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

CAWASA and UNEP Assessing Caribbean Waste Water Management

CAWASA and UNEP Host Operational Assessment Workshop
The CAWASA Secretariat engaged the World Water and Wastewater Solutions (WWWS) to identify an appropriate baseline to assist in the design and implementation of future capacity building activities. The consultant was expected to provide the following: An overview of wastewater treatment in the participating countries including policies, legislation and regulations and recommendations for regional harmonization and improved enforcement; An overview of existing lab capacity to support wastewater effluent monitoring and its impacts on the marine environment; An update of the national country profiles developed in the Project Preparation Phase; Recommendations on priority training needs for wastewater professionals in the beneficiary countries; Recommendations for improving the current knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and practices on wastewater management in the region; Guidance to participating utilities in a self-assessment of their strengths and weaknesses; Recommendations on key institutional entry points in each country for future capacity building and training including media and educational institutions for sustainability. The main activities of the baseline assessment were executed during August and September (2012) and the consultant submitted a Draft Baseline Assessment Report for review and verification in October. Another component of this task is a review of the status of the Land Based Sources of pollution (LBS) Protocol in the participating countries. This exercise is being undertaken by Consultant Patricia PrudentPhillips and a report was expected by the first week of November 2012. Operational Assessment Workshop Plans are well advanced for WWWS to conduct a twoday Operational Assessment Workshop in Saint Lucia on from the 3rd to 4th December 2012. The workshop will coincide with the hosting of the Annual General Meeting of CAWASA on 5th December 2012. Following the workshop, the consultants will visit at least three selected utilities participating in the CReW project, to conduct a follow-up operational assessment on utility wastewater management. At the end of this, the consultants are expected to submit an Operational Assessment Report to the management of each utility, as well as to CAWASA. The Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CReW) is a four-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the coimplementing agencies. Earlier this year, UNEP CAR/ RCU, as the regional executing agency, signed a small-scale funding agreement SSFA with CAWASA to coordinate four tasks on Wastewater Management in the English speaking Caribbean countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname. Report for Baseline Assessment One of the tasks involved is the conduct of a regional baseline assessment on wastewater management.

In thIs Issue
Secretariat News Managing Caribbean Waste Water Desalination: Is it worth the cost? World Without Water? Page 2 and 3 Pages 3 and 4 Page 5 Pages 6 and 7 Health Benefits of Water Climate Change Challenges for Caribbean Water Rain Water Harvesting Barbados-style Page 8 Page 9 Back Page

Page 2

CAWASA Secretariat News

e-Source

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

CEHI and CAWASA Collaborate on Waste Water Operations and Maintenance

Dominica to host Waste Water Workshop in June

The Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association Inc. (CAWASA Inc.), in collaboration with the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) is organizing a two-day Workshop on Wastewater Operations and Maintenance to be held in Dominica from 26-27th November 2012. Twenty-five (25) participants from water and wastewater utilities that are members of CAWASA, as well as CEHI Member-States, are expected to attend the workshop. The workshop will focus on the safe and effective operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants and will provide participants with hands-on practice in the operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. This workshop has come against the backdrop of an initiative by the Global Environment Facility Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (GEF CReW) to reform Wastewater Management in the Caribbean. It will address the current challenges facing wastewater management in the Caribbean, especially the knowledge and skills needed to manage wastewater treatment systems and facilities. The workshop is also intended to complement other operational activities planned for implementation by CAWASA and CEHI as part of their general program, as well as CReW project-related activities. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

The Dominica meeting will seek to upgrade the performance of wastewater operations managers across the Caribbean. Understand basic hydraulics related to openflow channel as it relates to sewers not flowing full; Read and interpret the basic design of wastewater treatment plants; Understand the sources of wastewater generation, types and quality wastewater; Differentiate between different types of wastewater treatment plant; Undertake the operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants; Assume responsibilities of wastewater operators to implement health and safety measures, laboratory analysis and effluent quality; Appreciate the Dos and Donts during operations and maintenance of treatment plant and sewerage. It is expected that the region will have a cadre of utility operations and maintenance personnel who have acquired relevant knowledge and skills as well as practical experience in the operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. (More on Waste Water on Pages 3 and 4).

CAWASA seeks CARICOM Accreditation for Operator Certification Programme

8th High Level Session of Caribbean Water Ministers attended by CAWASA

CAWASAs representatives attended the 8th High Level Session of Caribbean Water Ministers held on 4th and 5th October 2012. The Ministerial Forum focused on the theme The Water and Energy Nexus in Caribbean Development, was attended by ministers responsible for water from Bahamas, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Nevis and St. Kitts. Guyana and Saint Lucia were represented by their Permanent Secretaries. The session comprised seven sessions, each covering a topic of interest to the ministers. In Session 1, the presenters examined regional experiences and lessons relating to energy and water. Session 2 looked at sustainable energy options for the water sector while Session 3 discussed the implications of climate change for water. In Session 4, regional institutions gave an update on their water resource management activities while in Session 5 a representative of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) gave an overview of water resource management at the ministerial level in Africa. Session 6 took the form of a Panel Discussion where the ministers gave their perspectives on national and regional issues and solutions for a water secure Caribbean. During Session 7, the ministers reached consensus on the main conclusions of the Forum and approved resolutions for future action.

CAWASA is seeking accreditation from the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana. Recent studies on the Caribbean water and sanitation sector acknowledge the fact that there is a growing problem of water quality management in the region. In most cases, the reports recommend skills training and professional certification for water and wastewater Operators and Analysts as one of the approaches necessary to tackle the quality management problem. The ABC/CAWASA Inc Operator Certification programme administered by the CAWASA Secretariat has been gradually gaining acceptance among the management of Caribbean Water and Wastewater utilities as the basis for classifying their systems and facilities as well as for certifying their operators and analysts. The CAWASA Secretariat is exploring opportunities to expand the reach of the programme among the operators of private water and wastewater systems or facilities in the sector such as breweries, distilleries, hotels, bottled water companies and manufacturers. In this regard, the CAWASA Inc Secretariat wrote to the Accreditation Officer at the CARICOM Secretariat requesting formal recognition of the programme by Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The CAWASA Inc Secretariat submitted details of the programme for consideration of the programme contents and is awaiting a response to the request for formal accreditation.

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

CAWASA Secretariat News

local survey team. Activities undertaken by the Secretariat included the training of enumerators, supervision of the data collection process, as well as organization of a series of focus group sessions at four locations on the island. The sessions were held in Gros islet, Dennery, Vieux Fort and Soufriere and the consultants lectured on issues that included: Tourism and Hospitality, Construction, ICT, Agriculture/Agri-Business, Manufacturing, Youth, Job Seekers, Education and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training).

e-Source

Page 3

CAWASA Supports Saint Lucia Labour Market Assessment

agreement with the firm of PEMConsult/Dunn, Pierre, Barnett & Company Limited, to provide support for carrying out a Labour Market Needs Assessment survey in Saint Lucia. The survey commenced 28th August and ended 20th October and forms part of the OECS Skills for Inclusive Growth Project. In keeping with the agreement, the CAWASA Secretariat assumed responsibility for the overall coordination, direction, quality assurance and reporting of the

In August 2012, the CAWASA Secretariat signed an

CAWASA officials attend 21st Annual CWWA Conference in The Bahamas

Mr. Bernard Ettinoffe, President and Mr. Victor Poyotte, Executive Director, represented CAWASA at the recently-concluded 21st Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) held from 1-5th October 2012 at the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas. Participation of CAWASA was made possible with financial assistance from the United Nations Environmental Programme, Caribbean Regional Coordinating Unit (UNEP-CAR/RCU). At the official opening ceremony, Mr. Ettinoffe delivered brief remarks on behalf of CAWASA. He also gave the audience a summary of the main regional initiatives currently undertaken by CAWASA.

CAWASA Supports CDB Regional Water Sector Review

In May 2012, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched an initiative to undertake an initial assessment of the state of the Water Sector in CDBs Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs. The countries being assessed are: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Belize, Guyana, The Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The CDB selected Cole Engineering as the main consultant for the study, one of the main purposes of which is for the CDB to gain an understanding of the policies, systems and practices in water resource management and to develop improved strategies. The main objective of the CDB Study is to identify the principal development challenges and needs facing individual countries and the Caribbean region, in the context of financing opportunities for CDB. The study will: (a) evaluate the role of regional institutions and active funding agencies in water sector in the Caribbean; (b) prepare water sector profiles and conduct initial assessments on the state of water sector in individual BMCs; and (c) conduct a preliminary assessment of CDBs policies and involvement in water sector in its BMCs. Specific attention will be paid to the existence and efficacy of policies and systems to reduce the risks to the sector associated with climate change. Regional collaboration would be beneficial to the improvement of the sector; and (b) potential areas of focus for CDB interventions in water sector in its BMCs. The study will involve assessments of role of regional organisations, assessments of role of funding agencies, the preparation of water sector profiles in the CDB BMCs and the evaluation of potential role of the bank. It will also involve a review of relevant CDB policy and strategy documents related to water sector with emphasis on water supply, environmental management and agriculture. The consultants are expected to make recommendations on the areas of strategic focus for potential CDB interventions in water sector in the region. The CAWASA Secretariat is providing administrative support to the consultants.

CAWASA attends GWOPA Workshop

At the joint Global Water Operators Alliance (GWOPA) and Caribbean Water Operators (CariWOPS) workshop the CAWASA President, bernard Etinoffe, delivered brief opening remarks while the Executive Director, Victor Poyotte, made a presentation on the achievements of CariWOP during the past year. Mr. Jose Luis Martin Bordes, Programme Officer of GWOPA made a presentation on Lessons Learnt and the Future of the WOPLAC regional platform. An official of the USAID made a presentation on the USAID Programme Water and Knowledge. Mr. Jose Luis Martin Bordes, Programme Officer of GWOPA held a meeting with the Executive Director of CAWASA to discuss weaknesses in the current administration of the Caribbean Water Operators (CariWOPS). They also examined a range of options aimed at strengthening the regional platform.

Stakeholders discuss Caribbean Water Security in St. Lucia

A two-day stakeholder workshop focusing on The Impact of Water and Climate on Development Within the Caribbean took place in St. Lucia on November 15 and 16, bringing together key players within the Caribbean in the area of Climate Change. The participants provided input into the finalization of the Water, Climate and Development Programme (WACDEP) Implementation Plan that was adopted by CARICOM Heads of Government in March 2012. The WACDEP is geared towards a Regional Framework for Achieving Development Resilience to Climate Change. The information gathered during the workshop is being shared among the various stakeholder groups throughout the region as they too engage in formulating their own policies. The WACDEP initiative will be monitored and evaluated over the course of the next three years, by which time the stakeholders will make the necessary adjustments to enhance the region's water supply. The 27 participants came from 10 territories within the Caribbean region and represented various disciplines, including planning, water resource agencies, Climate Change, agencies and forestry. It is the believed that the real and positive changes regarding the region's water supply will only be realized when there is a more conscious effort on the part of the populace to gain an appreciation for what's at stake. Saint Lucias Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Sylvester Clauzel, was one of the featured speakers. Clauzel referenced the situation that was playing out at the island's main water supply, WASCO, where employees staged a sit-out over outstanding wage issues. The issues surrounding water are broad, he indicated. "Although there are only about 10% of the workers on strike, because of the strategic areas that those 10% of workers are involved in, it obviously does have an impact on the provision of water, particularly in the northern part of the island where we have the hotel plants, our main economic drivers," Clauzel said.

Permanent Secretary in St. Lucias Water Ministry, Sylvester Clauzel, said Climate Change is not only about environmental issues but also about handling and managing workers. "The point being made here is that when we speak about Climate Change's impact on water, it's not just about purely environmental issues. We're also dealing with industrial relations and managing workers and managing people." Clauzel added that the devastating effects of Hurricane Tomas on the island's infrastructure resulted in additional stress to WASCO's financial viability and the utility's ability to adequately supply its consumers with potable water on a regular basis. Other speakers included Ermath Harrington, consultant/facilitator of the WACDEP programme for the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C); Avril Alexander, Regional Coordinator, Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C); Trevor Thompson, Chair, Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C); and Carlos Fuller, Deputy Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). CAWASA was represented by Program Officer Suzanne Joseph. The Voice.

Executive Director Attended Water Operator Certification Workshop

A special workshop was recently held, aimed at introducing the Operator Certification Programme to Caribbean Water and Wastewater Operators and Analysts. The topics covered include: certification policies, institutional arrangements, inspection and classification of systems and facilities, operator training, examination administration, certificate renewal and benefits of certification. The Executive Director of CAWASA made a formal presentation and answered questions from participants relating to the Operator Certification examinations. He also distributed brochures and other materials providing information on the courses available, fees and sources from which the students can obtain text books required for the programme.

Page 4

e-Source

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

Caribbean experts assess financing mechanisms for Wastewater Management

The Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CReW) -- a four-year project which began in 2011 and is financed by a special arrangement that involves the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Governments of some Caribbean countries -- hosted its first Regional Workshop in Belize City, (Belize) on September 18th and 19th (2012) to introduce the concept of Revolving Funds. Revolving funds are among the more flexible, innovative and effective financial management mechanisms that can provide sustainable financing for the development of much-needed wastewater treatment facilities, which are costly propositions for regional governments struggling to maintain those that already exist. A 2009 UNEP report entitled Assessment of Wastewater Management in the Caribbean found untreated domestic wastewater had severe consequences for coastal ecosystems in the Wider Caribbean region. This has resulted in: increased fish mortality and native effects on commercial fisheries; declines in coral reefs estimated to cost the region up to US $870 million by 2050; threats to human health and threats to the tourism sector. Belize is one of four participating countries in which GEF-CReW is piloting financing mechanisms that can be used to provide sustainable financing for environmentally sound and costeffective wastewater management. US $5million of GEF-CReW funds are being provided directly to the Government of Belize as a capitalization grant for Belize Wastewater Revolving Fund (BWRF) to establish a regional sewage collection, treatment and disposal system for the Placencia Peninsula. This is the first generation project of the BWRF, which will provide zero or below market interest loans for eligible wastewater treatment projects. The Ministry of Finance is the pilot executing agency for the BWRF. Eligible projects include local wastewater projects that advance the obligations of the Cartagena Conventions Land-based Sources of Pollution (LBS) Protocol, the only le-

Waste Water Management

Untreated domestic wastewater has severe consequences for coastal ecosystems in the Wider Caribbean region. It has resulted in increased fish mortality and native effects on commercial fisheries; declines in coral reefs estimated to cost the region up to US $870 million by 2050; threats to human health and threats to the tourism sector.

DANGEROUS PRACTICE: Raw waste disposed directly into the sea attracts both fish and fishers, but is a dangerous and costly practice. gally binding regional agreement for the protection and development of the Caribbean Sea. The LBS Protocol entered into force in 2010, committing signatories to making major improvements in wastewater management. The Workshop sought to provide participants -- who came from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and utility, finance and environmental sectors in CReWs thirteen participating countries (Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago) -- with a broad view of the operation of revolving funds with particular reference to the experience in developing countries. It is also expected to assist the pilot countries in the operation and design of their own national funding mechanisms to be developed under the GEF-CReW Project, and, promote a network of expertise that could facilitate the replication and/ or development of similar funding mechanisms in other non-pilot Caribbean countries. Martin Baker, an environmental lawyer with extensive experience in the planning, financing and operation of water, wastewater and other infrastructure projects in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Gulf States, led the Workshop. Peter Shanaghan, Team Leader of the National Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program for the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) shared their experience in operation of revolving funds. Paul Marchetti, an Economist and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) since 1988, shared practical experience in maintaining, replenishing and growing revolving funds. The GEF-CReW Project aims to provide sustainable financing for the wastewater sector, support policy and legislative reforms and foster regional dialogue and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders in the Wider Caribbean Region.

HEALTHY PRACTICE: For many years hotel waste from the North of the island has been treated at this WASCO wastewater treatment facility at Beausejour.

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

e-Source

Page 5

Turning Sea Water into Drinking Water

Without any other sources for freshwater, desalination is quickly becoming vital to many regions. St. Martins desalination plant is run by Frances Veolia Water Caribbean

Desalination

Desalination is an expensive undertaking, but is becoming more economically viable as the technology improves
Desalination of seawater, brackish groundwater or river water for a public potable water supply is increasingly being considered. This method of securing water supply can be found in areas where water demand has been increasing beyond sustainable supply and where water sources are fragile and climate change is making previously reliable sources unreliable. Rapidly increasing populations are also placing pressure on existing water sources, forcing governments to turn to desalination to provide additional water supplies when existing sources are fully extended. There is also potential for desalination to process already treated wastewater, normally returned to the environment, to a higher quality level for use in industry or mining processing, thus taking industrial demand away from public water supplies. Desalination for major public supply is not only used in Barbados and other areas in the Caribbean, but it is already employed fairly extensively in areas the Middle East and North Africa, Australia, Southern Europe, China, Singapore and the USA. Desalination is an expensive undertaking, but is becoming more economically viable as the technology improves. Desalination plants can be provided in a wide range of outputs to cater for small isolated communities or to contribute substantially to water supplies for large cities and even for irrigation (Spain, United Arab Emirates). One of the processes for desalination is reverse osmosis (RO). It is a membrane separation process in which the water from a pressurized saline solution is separated from the dissolved material by flowing through a membrane. No heating is necessary for this separation. The major energy required for desalination is for pressurizing the feed water, typically up to 62 atmospheres for seawater. In principle, the saline feed water is pumped into a closed vessel where it is pressurized to overcome the osmotic pressure of the solution before diffusing through the membrane. As a portion of the water passes through the membrane, the remaining feed water increases in salt content. This portion of this feed water is then discharged without passing through the membrane. A Brackwish Water Reverse Osmosis (BWRO) desalination plant at Spring Garden in Barbados is used by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) to reduce the overall energy requirements and provide high-quality potable water to a section of the island. Desalination Around The World Drier and warmer climates, the unyielding movement of the worlds rural people to cities and the need to fortify supplies have dramatically increased the need for alternatives to fresh water. This has led Metropolitan and national governments on five continents to the building of record numbers of desalination plants to produce drinking water from the sea. Over the last five years, an average of 800 new desalination plants have been constructed annually, according to various industrial reports, and the global market could reach $58 billion a year. In 2006 and 2007 alone, according to Global Water Intelligence, an industry research group that tracks water trends, the worlds desalination capacity grew 43% and since 1990 has experienced an average annual growth rate of 17%. About 14,380 desalination plants operate across the world, said Global Water Intelligence, with a total contracted capacity of 62 million cubic meters, or 16.3 billion gallons, per day. The Middle East has long been the dominant market, with Saudi Arabia producing more than 10 million cubic meters a day and the United Arab Emirates producing almost 8.5 million cubic meters a day, according to Global Water Intelligence. The United States is now the worlds third leading builder of desalination plants. Other top markets are Spain, Kuwait, Algeria, China, Qatar, Japan and Australia. Almost two-thirds of all desalination plants use seawater, with 19 percent drawing from brackish sources. Caribbean islands such as Trinidad, Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, St. Martin and Bermuda are among countries in the world that have tuned to desalination.

Page 6

e-Source

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

The Spectre of a Whole Wide World Without Water

EDITORIAL World Without Water?

WHAT?

Waterless in 2030?
Scientists and Executives differ on how quickly and by how much, but all agree that world demand for water can outstrip supply in just 17 years

Its hard to imagine our or our country -- world without water. But its quite possible. And it could happen sooner than we think or would want and in our lifetime, as well. Yes, theres more water than earth on Earth. But theres not enough drinking water for everyone on Earth; and if we dont mend our ways, we may very well see ourselves causing the world to die of thirst. Impossible? Think again. Just look at our own Caribbean islands and continental territories. Our rivers are drying fast in St. Lucia and other Windward Islands due to a combination of bad ecological practices, while existing water sources are becoming increasingly under threat from contamination and several other factors. Hurricanes and erratic weather patterns continue to create havoc with water dams while Climate Change continues to create increasing periods of worsening droughts, reducing water availability and increasing demand. And, to crown it all, national water companies are coming under increasing financial pressure as a result of lower incomes from higher debts due to the declining economic situation in most countries and increasing pressure on income earners and unemployed alike. Governments find it harder to fund water expansion and consumers continue to neglect paying water bills while spending many times more on purchasing bottled water. In the Caribbean, underground water resource reserves are scarce. We depend more on rain and river water, both of which are under pressure in the continuing battles between Man and Nature. We, in these parts of our world, are fully surrounded by sea water. But the cost of desalination is prohibitive at most, very costly at least. The continental Caribbean countries (Belize, Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana, etc) are blessed with large and long rivers, but there too the water pressures exist, even though with different manifestations. In Guyana, for example, the sheer size of the country (83,000 square miles) makes distribution of piped drinking water a very daunting task. In all Caribbean territories, people still havent been brought

to equal levels of understanding or appreciation of the importance of saving, conserving and protecting water. Water companies still have to publish annual DOs and DONTs to educate and encourage consumers about the importance of water conservation. Weve never faced a region-wide or even a national fatal drought of the types we see on TV in other parts of our world. There are no international news reports about Caribbean children dying of thirst due to unavailability of or access to drinking water. We therefore dont see ourselves as among those in this whole wide world who would or could be affected by the reality, far less the notion of a world without water. But wed be making a very big mistake if we, anywhere in the Caribbean, continue to take false comfort in our current ease of availability and access to drinking water, whether from our pipes or plastic bottles. International studies have proven that if we dont get our act together around the world (including the Caribbean) we stand to see a world without water by 2030 just 17 years from now. Some of the experts disagree on how soon it could happen, but all agree that it is possible for us to see, in our lifetime, a world without water. (See accompanying article entitled Waterless in 2030) Still unconvinced? Still in doubt? Skeptics are encouraged and invited to go all out and find out. But those who care, whove seen the signs and who better understand the woes the world will face without water, just cant wait until everyone else is convinced. The pace at which we are causing water to disappear, decrease or simply go away, seems faster than the pace of education and realization. It therefore means more needs to be done to reverse the trend, even while intensifying local, regional and global efforts at sensitizing the world to the reality of the danger of a waterless world. CAWASA remains as committed as ever to the cause of the preservation, conservation and protection of the Caribbeans water resources and to the process of education to avert the ever woeful and wretched reality of even the consideration of the real fact that we can see a world without water.

In some countries water is already so scarce that it's locked away from free access. What'll it be like if it all runs out by 2030?

A recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit (sponsored by Oracle Utilities) reveals that if water utilities plan on meeting water supply, large-scale infrastructure investments must be madeor else demand will outstrip supply by 2030. The study, entitled Water for All?, compared the water resource management strategies of 10 countriesthe US, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Spain, Brazil, Russia, India and Chinaand surveyed 244 water utility managers and executives, including 20 in-depth interviews with water executives and independent experts. The participants answerers led researchers to conclude that while water providers are optimistic about their ability to meet future

demand, that ability will be amplified or hampered by government action and consumer education -and all water purveyors will have to think outside the box. The leading overall response to water stress in the future is expected to be a sharp focus on demand management, explains a statement released by Oracle in relation to the report. This represents a shift in utilities traditional emphasis on continuing to supply increasing quantities of water in response to increasing demand. Meanwhile, developing countries have a tougher row to hoe. The studys survey of water resource management strategies in the developing world reveals that climate change and erratic weather patterns will increasingly influence

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

e-Source

Page 7

The Spectre of a Whole Wide World Without Water.

The spectre of a world without water is already real in many countries in the developing world where parched earth and dried rivers leave millions who never knew pipes wondering whether they will ever cease depending on the heavens for water.

more than one in five (22%) increasing investment by 15% or more within the next three years. * Innovative industry: Prompted by necessity, the water sector is becoming an increasingly prominent innovator, due to the implementation technologies such as smart meters and desalination solutions. For instance, one-fifth (20%) of water utilities in developed markets regularly evaluate new technologies, compared to one-third of developing countries. However, more water utilities must improve their ability to identify and implement such advances, with over one-third (36%) unaware of the innovation options available to them. * Stumbling blocks: Drought and increased water pollution are seen by respondents as the biggest risks faced by water utilities and are considered the most likely to occur. Similarly, half of respondents polled felt that that information and support from government bodies is lacking; while 43% recognize they must develop their management techniques to more precisely model future water availability or rainfall.

the creation and maintenance of infrastructure in those countries. Utilities in the developing countries, in contrast, are more likely to focus on rolling-out or expanding basic infrastructure, states the report. Other key findings: * Increased water stress by 2030: Due to growing demand for water caused by increasing populations, changing climate patterns and wasteful consumer behavior, 39% of executives surveyed believe that the risk of national water demand outstripping sup-

ply by 2030 is highly likely, while 54% believe such a risk is moderately likely. Failure to address this could result in significant economic, social, and health implications. * Barriers to conservation: Fortyfive percent (45%) of utilities especially in developed marketssee wasteful consumer behavior as their biggest barrier to progress, while another 33% believe tariffs are too low to stimulate greater investment. In developing countries, a lack of capital for investment tops the list (41%), while worries over climate change stand third overall (34%).

* Encouraging consumer engagement: Half of respondents (49%) believe pricing structures need to be changed to encourage conservation, while less than four in 10 water utilities think water prices must be held down to ensure fair access to water for all (38%). With consumer behavior being the biggest barrier to conservation, it is critical for water utilities to engage with consumers to overcome this challenge. * Increased investment: Almost all respondents stated that they are increasing investment to meet supply challenges (93%), with

Page 8

e-Source

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

Health Benefits of Water

In this issue, e-Source offers some Healthy Hints about

The Benefits of Drinking Water EvERy DAy!

Less Cramps and Sprains:

Lose weight:

Drinking water helps lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger. Its an effective appetite suppressant so youll eat less. Plus water has zero calories.

Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so youll less likely get cramps and sprains.

headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although many reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one. Look Younger with Healthier Skin: Youll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases skin elasticity.

Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve

Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve you immune system.

Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy:

Better Productivity at Work: You brain is mostly Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body tem-

made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrated.

out toxins and waste products from the body. If you body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so will you. Good Mood: Your body feels very good and thats why you feel happy.

Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush

Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.

perature. That means youll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also helps to fuel your muscle.

Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive

system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.

beanCaribbean Water Ministers ministers address regional urity and climate change challen address Regional Water Security
July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3 e-Source
Page 9

and Climate Change Challenges

Critical to the Declaration signed by the ministers was their recognition that high level political leadership is a key factor for meeting water security and climate change challenges faced by the Caribbean.

At the first-ever meeting waaration signed byof nine (IWRM)and keep the was Ca- ronment RobertClimate Changethat high their respective counthe ribbean implementation in the their recognition of similar waterlevel challenges ministers implementa- Jamaica, and Pickersgill, viewed are faced in resource political ter ministers in the Caribbean, Climate Change as one of the most tion of IWRM under continuous tries and a clear means of moving ministers with responsibility for critical issues to bechallenges faced by the Cari addressed in rereview. forward on these issues should be water resources water security and climate change for meetingmanagement comlation to water security. charted. mitted to making all essential efforts in addressing water security and climate change in the region. The assurance was given during the first week of October at the 8th Annual High Level Session (HLS) Ministerial Forum in The Bahamas. The Forum is a joint initiative of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) and its partner the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). Critical to the declaration signed by the ministers was their recognition that high level political leadership is key for meeting water security and climate change challenges faced by the Caribbean. This, along with other recommendations, was sanctioned by ministers from The Bahamas, Anguilla, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It was also deemed imperative that Caribbean governments in collaboration with regional partners should conduct national assessments on the status of Integrated Water Resources Management During the two-day HLS, ministers and senior government officials offered their perspectives on national and regional priorities for water security in the Caribbean and discussed regional water resource coordination at the ministerial level. Included in the main issues brought to the table were the need for greater focus on IWRM; disaster risk reduction; closer integration of the water sector with other sectors; access to water; water tariffs; the need for more water experts in the region; raising water conservation consciousness at the national and regional level; looking into various water technologies to control resources; the use of rainwater harvesting as a mitigation practice; waters impact on health; and climate being key to addressing water security. This view was endorsed by Dr David Estwick, Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management of Barbados, who gave support to building climate change resilience but advised that a lot of preliminary work should first be done nationally to better understand how water and other sectors such as sanitation are integrated. He pointed out that it is crucial that national research is conducted for Caribbean countries to be fully aware of the status of their water resources. Carlisle Powell, Minister of Communications, Works, Public Utilities, Post, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment of Nevis, stressed that the Caribbean needs to do more in promoting and communicating the importance of water conservation, and articulated the need to educate communities on conserving water and reporting leaks. Varying national priorities on water notwithstanding, there was a consensus among ministers that The ministers through their discussions and informed technical inputs from national, regional and international agencies such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), among others, agreed on seven critical concerns toward achieving national and regional water security. These comprised water as a national development issue; Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM); climate change and water; wastewater; regional cooperation; capacity building, and public awareness. Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) and its partner the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association CWWA) are committed to supporting the realisation of the recommendations coming out of the 8th High Level Session (HLS) Ministerial Forum, in cooperation with regional governments and other partners. (Caribbean360.com)

meeting of water ministers in the Caribbean, nine ministers with es management committed to making all essential efforts in add ate change in the region.

as given during the first week of October at the 8th Annual High l Forum in The Bahamas.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture of Belize, Margarito Gaspar Vega, cited legislation passed in Belize in 2010 to introduce an IWRM Act. Minister of Water, Land, Envi-

oint initiative of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP bean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA).

claration signed by the ministers was their recognition that high for meeting water security and climate change challenges faced

Page 10

e-Source

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

WASCO Workers Holdback their Labour for Back-pay for Christmas!

Minister says WASCO workers were misled into taking illegal action
The following statement was issued by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology on November 16, 2012, in relation to the Industrial Action at WASCO over outstanding back-pay
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology views, with serious concern, the ongoing industrial unrest at the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO). The Ministry has been made to understand that a group of workers has decided to engage in a work stoppage to demand a date for the payment of retroactive wages, consequent upon the successful conclusion of negotiations between WASCOs management and the Labour Unions representing the workers. It is important to note that negotiations between WASCO and the Unions have been amicably completed, with the Parties agreeing to a 10% increase in wages for all workers for the negotiated triennium 2010-2012.

Each day during their work stoppage, a few WASCO workers milled outside the company's headquarters to protest not being told exactly what date they will be paid.
Staff at St. Lucias Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) downed tools in November to press the company to speed-up an overdue $4 million payout due by the end of December. It wasnt an official strike or withdrawal of labour, more a muscle-flexing exercise undertaken with the knowledge but not consent of the two unions involved, both of which pleaded not guilty of authorizing their members actions. The workers, represented by the St. Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) and the National Workers Union (NWU), are pressing WASCO about an agreed and now outstanding 10% increase over the three-year period ending December 2012. The two unions say they are being pressed by the workers to get Pay Day dates from WASCO, but the company hasnt been able to offer any assured dates. The press described it as a wildcat strike. But the workers said they downed their tools tom press the company to give then dates by which they will get paid. We have to pay VAT and Christmas is coming, but we were not hearing anything from management, said one striking worker. CSA President David Demacque and NWU President Tyrone Maynard addressed a joint meeting of monthly and fortnightly paid workers, at which both leaders reiterated the position that the workers were not on strike or go slow, protest action or any form of industrial action. They just want a date on which WASCO will pay the back-pay that is due, Maynard said. They two union Presidents said the workers request is fully justified and they are in full support. The monthly paid workers eventually joined the work stoppage, but both union leaders sidestepped issues relating to the government questioning legality of the work stoppage under the Essential Services Act. The islands cash-strapped water company acknowledges owing the $4 million to its workers and says it is in the process of concluding funding arrangements to meets its commitment under the agreement. But it wont be drawn into giving in to the workers demand for a firm date, leading to a minority of workers mounting a few days of daily protests outside the companys main offices at LAnse Road in Castries. All the company was prepared to say is that it is involved in negotiations to pay up as promised and that the payment of retroactive wages would be concluded by the end of 2012 and that there has been no change in that schedule. It however regretted that a minority of workers had taken action and thanked the majority who remained on the job to provide services to customers island-wide. WASCO has been cash-strapped for decades, especially since it was saddled with the massive $150 million cost of the giant Sir John Compton Dam at Roseau, built with Canadian help in the 1980s. The companys revenue earnings have always been dented by indebtedness of consumers, many of which end up being disconnected. WASCOs water does not attract the Value Added tax (VAT) implemented on October 1, but the company isnt in the very profitable bottled water business, which many on the island see as a lucrative possibility for the cash-strapped water company. There have been efforts to privatize WASCO, with reputable international water firms invited to bid. But the process was discontinued prematurely after one of the bidding companies raised questions and threatened legal action regarding how the then government handled the process. Eventually, while still pointing to its high debt woes -- especially its monthly electricity bill payments to LUCELEC -- and its state of insolvency, the company relented and assured the two unions it will seek to pay the workers during the week of December 17-21, 2012. (See Water Ministers statement, also on this page.)

Water Minister Senator Dr James Fletcher says WASCO is insolvent and deep in hot water over debt was illegal under law

Long-term Viability Plan

On the strength of a mandate from the Cabinet of Ministers, a special committee has worked on developing a plan to secure the long-term viability of WASCO. This involves some immediate measures to improve the Companys balance sheet and actions to attract new investments and improve the cash flow. The Cabinet of Ministers recently approved a payment of $3.1 million to WASCO to allow for the commencement of some critical work on the John Compton Dam to address the heavy siltation at the Dam, which is compromising its ability to ensure a reliable supply of water during the upcoming 2013 dry season. Therefore, in the current circumstances, the company is going above and beyond its means to address the concerns of the staff with respect to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

A Generous Package
Given the very precarious financial state of WASCO and the present economic climate, this was a generous settlement. The wage increase for the triennium is broken down into a 4% increase for 2010, 4% increase for 2011, and a 2% increase for 2012. This 4-4-2 Agreement over the negotiated period is above the increase in the cost of living for the corresponding period. As a consequence of the wage settlement, there is a retroactive payment (or back-pay) owed to the WASCO workers of approximately $4 million. It is our understanding that WASCOs management, by letter dated October 8th, 2012. gave a written commitment to both Trade Unions to do all within (its) capacity to complete the retroactive payments as efficiently as possible by year end.

Illegal Action
It should also be noted that the current action by this minority group of workers is illegal based upon the stipulations of the Essential Services provision of the Labour Act. The timeframe for the payments of retroactive wages agreed to between WASCOs management team and the Trade Unions is not in dispute. We are also aware that no notice has been given to WASCO, the Labour Department or the Minister with responsibility for Labour of a grievance over the payment schedule. Therefore, it appears that some of WASCOs workers are being led into illegal action under the provisions of the Labour Act. The Ministry is pleased to note, however, that this action notwithstanding, the management of WASCO is continuing to work to ensure that the matter is resolved.

Insolvent Company
WASCO is an insolvent company, whose liabilities far exceed its assets. As a result, it is virtually impossible for the company to raise any finance for its operations, expansion or projects to improve the provision of potable water to the people of Saint Lucia. The Company is unable to meet its expenses, which include a debt of over $12.8 million to the Saint Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC). Our Government commends LUCELEC on its exemplary patience and understanding in working with WASCO and Government to reduce this liability, which grows by approximately $400,000 every month. Currently, WASCOs total debt stands at over $100 million and its monthly working capital deficit is approximately $600,000.

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

e-Source

Page 11

Mexico and USA sign water-sharing deal

Mexico and the US have agreed to new rules on sharing and managing water from the Colorado River, which serves some 30 million people in the two nations. Under the deal, the US will send less water to Mexico during a drought, while Mexico will be able to store water north of the border during wet years. The Colorado River flows 1,450 miles (2,230km) from the Rockies into the Gulf of California and recent droughts and increased water usage have put pressure on the river. "We have chosen collaboration over conflict, we have chosen co-operation and consensus over discord," said US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. "The Colorado River, in so many ways, makes us one people, and together we face the risk of reduced supplies in years ahead." Treaty changed. The US and Mexico signed a treaty in 1944 governing the allocation of resources from the Colorado River, which supplies seven US and two Mexican states. But in the ensuing decades, population growth, increased industry and farming, as well as droughts, have put pressure on the river. The latest accord, which runs until 2017, is a major amendment of the original treaty, which stipulates that the US must send a set amount to Mexico, enough to supply some three million homes, no matter how low the river level. But now, Mexico will forgo some of its share during drought, a practice already followed by the states of California, Arizona and Nevada. In return, Mexico, which has little storage capacity, is allowed to store water in times of surplus in Lake Mead, a vast reservoir by the Hoover Dam on the ArizonaNevada border.

There are seven billion people to feed on the planet today and another two billion are expected to join by 2050. Statistics say that each of us drinks from two to four litres of water every day. However, most of the water we drink is embedded in the food we eat: producing one kilo of beef, for example, consumes 15,000 litres of water, while 1 kilo of wheat drinks up 1,500 litres. When a billion people in the world already live in chronic hunger and water resources are under pressure we cannot pretend the problem is elsewhere. Coping with population growth and ensuring access to nutritious food to everyone call for a series of actions we can all help with:

Follow a healthier, sustainable diet; Consume less water-intensive products; Reduce the scandalous food wastage: 30% of the food produced worldwide is never eaten and the water used to produce it is definitively lost! Produce more food, of better quality, with less water. At all steps of the supply chain, from producers to consumers, actions can be taken to save water and ensure food for all. And you? Do you know how much water you actually consume every day? How can you change your diet and reduce your water footprint? Join the World Water Day 2012 campaign Water and Food Security and find out more! Theres still time

Page 12

e-Source

July to September 2012 | Vol. 4 No. 3

The Barbados Experience

Rainwater harvesting is the gathering, or accumulating and storing, of rainwater and although the term sounds new to us, rain harvesting has been practiced for more than 4,000 years. Catching rain water and using it to assist our daily lives is a means of removing total dependency for water from the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and although it might conjure up images of an old farm cistern, the reality is that rainwater harvesting is becoming a viable alternative for supplying our households and businesses with water. Across the Caribbean rainwater harvesting has been in use for many years. In St Lucia, polyethylene plastic tanks, steel drums and underground concrete cisterns are used to catch rain water. The Turks and Caicos Islands have a number of government-built, public rainfall catchment systems as it is mandatory that all developers construct a water cistern large enough to store 400 l/m2 of roof area. In Bermuda, most residents do not connect to the local water authority as they all catch rain water and treat it for use for all purposes. Roofs in Bermuda are all white and are treated and designed to catch the water which filters into underground tanks. Catching rainwater from roof tops is also used throughout the Bahamas and in Jamaica nearly 100 000 Jamaicans depend on water from rain harvesting for the majority of their needs. In Brazil and Argentina rainwater harvesting is used in semi-arid regions and in Central Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, rainwater harvesting using rooftop catchments is used extensively in rural areas and on The Islas de la Baha off the shores of Honduras the population supplies a substantial portion of their potable water needs by using rainwater from rooftops. Germany and Australia are very involved in rain harvesting and in New Zealand, communities away from the larger towns and cities routinely rely on rainwater collected from roofs as the only source of water for all household activities. China rooftop rainwater harvesting is being practiced for providing drinking water, domestic water, water for livestock, water for small irrigation and as a way to replenish ground water levels and in the Gansu province in China one may find some of the largest rooftop Frainwater harvesting ongoing projects.

Rain Harvesting

White roofs are common throughout Bermuda

In rural Northeastern Thailand, a house is not a home if it does not have at least one huge rainwater jar. Ev ery household depends on their rain jar for their daily water needs and some depend on rain jars sales for their livelihood. Rainwater harvesting has become essential in areas where rainfall is the only means of water supply and where there is the possibility of drought. It has also become a reality where there is plentiful rainfall but where governments are not equipped to provide the needed system to pipe the water to all households. In 1996 all newly constructed homes in Barbados were required to construct water storage facilities if the roof area or living area equals or exceeds 3 000 square feet and 1 000 square feet or more for commercial buildings. In the Caribbean most of the rain falls during the wet season leaving the dry months in danger of drought conditions and rain harvesting is important in these conditions to secure a constant flow of water throughout the year. Benefits The collection of rain water takes a hugh burden off the BWA and it is an excellent back up source in times of drought, low water pressures and when there are problems with the public supply and especially during disasters. If rain harvesting is put in practice, schools and businesses would not need to close when the BWA

cannot supply water to some areas and life can continue without much interruption. The fact that you own your rain water gives you control over how you use it. It is simple to construct and easy to maintain with little cost and your rain water harvesting system can be designed according to what you can afford or want. Some persons might start with one plastic tank while others might build a more elaborate system. Rainwater is better for landscape plants and gardens because it is not chlorinated and it can solve drainage problems on your property.

Disadvantages There are however some disadvantages to rain harvesting. Rain from the roof tops may be subjected to contamination by leaves, bird droppings and other pollutants that can enter the water. When there is little or no rainfall, water levels would drop significantly and to avoid this householders would need to own a large enough system that can reserve enough water that can last for weeks and this might be costly. House holders must secure all water tanks/cisterns, etc from access by young children and pets. How you Can Use Rain Water Rainwater can really be used anywhere you use tap water and even for cooking and drinking as long as it is treated. However, without any treatment thousands of gallons of water can be saved and used as follows: Flushing of toilets Laundry In the garden and for watering the lawns Irrigation systems for agricultural purposes Washing vehicles Bathing of pets Refill your fountains, fish ponds and aquariums Washing your driveways and sidewalks Use it for industrial processes instead of municipally treated water Rain Water Can also be treated in your own home to be used for drinking and cooking. (Barbados Water Authority)

A Jumbo Thai Water Jar