Water Restrictions

Connect Saint Helena once again ask for cooperation from the public in reducing water consumption in the Redhill, Hutts Gate and Levelwood areas.

Excessive consumption is depleting water reserves at a rapid rate. If there is no slowdown in consumption or no significant rain then our best estimate is that island stocks will run out in late June / early July.

The recent rainfall stabilised things briefly but until we receive winter rains the reservoirs are unlikely to be replenished and a reduction in consumption is the only way we can extend the period for which our dwindling stocks will last.

There is a capital bid submitted to increase our reservoir capacity and improve water capture and if approved the situation for the future should be much more comfortable.

In the meantime we cannot allow the water to run out so if consumers do not voluntarily reduce consumption then we will need to impose legally enforceable measures to drastically reduce consumption. Clearly the measures will become increasingly stringent until such time as the situation stabilises and could entail rationing of usage through short-term supply outages with Connect currently working on plans to cover this eventuality.

We therefore appeal to the public to drastically reduce their consumption to essential needs only using recycled water for gardens and no hosepipes. Saving water, thus ensuring the long term availability of this scarce resource for all to use, is everybody’s responsibility.

Jamestown is unaffected by these restrictions.

5th May 2015