Raw water issues shut down Desal plant, Central and South affected

3235306

WASA customers in parts of Central and South-West Trinidad, have been without water or experiencing low water pressure due to what has been described as raw water quality issues at the Point Lisas Desalination Plant.

In a statement, the Water and Sewerage Authority said as a result the plant has been shut down and no time frame has been given as to when operations would resume.

As such, WASA said a limited truck-borne water service will be available with priority given to special homes, health care and government institutions.

WASA explained the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (DESALCOTT) owned and operated Plant, normally supplies WASA with 40 million gallons of water per day (mgd).

“DESALCOTT has indicated that they are currently experiencing poor raw water quality issues, causing operations at the facility to be stopped,” WASA said.

It added: “It should be noted that DESALCOTT has not been able to provide a timeframe for the restart of the plant. The Authority is in constant communication with the company and will provide a further update on when the Plant will return to service, as soon as this information becomes available.”

According to WASA areas affected include:

Central Trinidad – Caroni, Warrenville, Cunupia, Chaguanas, Caparo, Chase village, Couva, Pt Lisas, California, Claxton Bay, Plaisance Park, Pointe a Pierre, City of San Fernando, Vistabella, Marabella, Gasparillo.

South-West Trinidad – Union Hall, Pleasantville, Palmiste, Phillipine, Duncan Village, Esperance, Gulf View, Bel Air, La Romain, South Oropouche, Otaheite, Rousillac, Aripero, parts of La Brea, Avocat, Fyzabad, parts of Siparia including De Gannes Village and Quarry Village, San Francique, Debe, Syne Village, Lowkie Trace, Sunrees Road, Mora Dam Road.

WASA has called on its customers to manage their water use efficiently, as it may take up to 48 hours for the supply to normalize to some affected areas after the Plant returns to full operation.

For further information or assistance, customers are encouraged to contact WASA’s Customer Call Centre toll-free at 800-4420 and 800-4426.