The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) wishes to update residents of Babonneau and surrounding communities on the ongoing water supply challenges caused by the severe dry season.
According to Saint Lucia’s Meteorological Services, Saint Lucia is experiencing its third driest season on record. In fact, the island has not yet recovered from the severity of the 2025 dry season. As a result, communities across the island are now grappling with either critically low flows or severe water shortages, underscoring the urgency for a coordinated response.
WASCO is actively responding through community valving to manage equitable distribution, intensified water trucking to reach essential services and vulnerable areas, alongside other measures to stabilize supply during this crisis.
Current Situation in the community of Babonneau and Environs
• Babonneau requires 1.2 million gallons per day to meet demand, but inflows have dropped to just 20% of that capacity.
• This shortage means water cannot reach all communities simultaneously. Areas at higher elevations including Monier, Boguis, Plateau, La Guerre, and Desableau are most affected.
• Key intakes such as Talvern are offline, while Marquis is sustaining only minimal flow.
• As a result, WASCO must alternate supply between tanks and pumping stations, limiting continuous service.
• Communities at the far ends of the network and at higher elevations experience longer interruptions. • Schools, households, businesses and emergency services are under strain, with limited access to water for daily needs.
• Storage at the household level is often inadequate to last through extended shortages.
WASCO is actively undertaking the following to help alleviate the situation:
• Water trucking: Water trucks are supplying all affected areas, prioritizing vulnerable areas and institutions such as schools and health centers.
• Supplementary supply: Water is being diverted from the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant via Bocage twice weekly (Sundays and Wednesdays) to boost Babonneau’s tanks.
• Community coordination: WASCO is engaging stakeholders to share updates when supply becomes available, ensuring timely communication.
• Long-term resilience: Plans are underway to refurbish the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant and the Raw Water Pipeline, which will strengthen Babonneau’s supply during future dry spells.
WASCO is urging all residents to:
• Practice strict conservation. Avoid non‑essential use such as power washing, vehicle washing, and watering lawns or gardens with potable water;
• Limit household consumption. Use only what is necessary for drinking, cooking, and hygiene;
• Use reserves responsibly. Manage tank water carefully to avoid premature depletion.
• Reuse water where possible. Use grey water for cleaning outdoor areas;
• Check plumbing and storage to ensure tanks are properly sealed and connected to prevent backflow into pipelines;
• Ensure adequate storage. Households should aim to store at least one week’s supply where possible;
• Support community sharing. Be mindful of neighbors who may be more severely affected due to less storage or access.
WASCO recognizes the significant inconvenience this situation continues to cause and assures the Babonneau community that every effort is being made to sustain the limited supply through intensified water trucking, community valving, and supplementary inflows.
These measures are designed to stabilize service as much as possible while longer‑term resilience projects are underway. Transparency, accountability, and resilience remain our guiding principles as we navigate this dry season and we wish to extend our gratitude to you for your patience and understanding.
For more information, please reach out to the Control Room at 482-0052 or 457-3958, 4573960, or 451-9812.