BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS the Federation prepares to observe World Water Day on March 22, Minister of Water Konris Maynard is urging citizens to prioritize water conservation amid ongoing challenges related to water scarcity.
This year’s theme, "Glacier Preservation," highlights the global impact of climate change on freshwater resources. Minister Maynard in a national address, highlighted the importance of valuing water before it becomes scarce, warning against complacency.
St. Kitts and Nevis continues to face drought-like conditions, with declining rainfall and rising temperatures affecting the nation’s water supply. The government has been actively exploring alternative water sources such as desalination to prevent saltwater intrusion.
"Even though St. Kitts and Nevis does not contribute much to the overall output of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is causing the Earth to heat up and the melting of glaciers, we still have a responsibility to join with the international community to champion and advocate for changes in behaviour that would result in reducing such emissions,” Maynard stated in a recent address.
He emphasized that the Federation’s water supply is primarily dependent on rainfall, making it increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns.
The year 2024 recorded the highest global temperatures on record, surpassing previous records set in 2022 and 2023. According to the U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “Earth’s average land and ocean surface temperature in 2024 was 2.32°F (1.29°C) above the 20th-century average—the highest in NOAA’s 1850-2024 climate record.”
The data also revealed that Africa, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America (tied with 2023) experienced their warmest year on record, while Asia and the Arctic had their second-warmest year.
Minister Maynard acknowledged that water demand has outgrown the available surface and groundwater supply, making desalination a necessary solution.
"Now in St. Kitts and Nevis it is very important for us to always remember that practically all of our public potable water comes from rainfall. Within a few short months, however, we would no longer be able to make this boast. That is of course because we are now at a stage where we have outgrown our surface and groundwater supplies and must turn to desalination to help meet our demand. Every citizen, every resident of St. Kitts and Nevis should have a basic idea of how water gets to our homes," he assured
The government minister outlined strategies to provide a consistent water supply, including drilling new wells to ensure a reliable 24-hour supply in all communities; constructing a 2-million-gallon-per-day desalination plant in Basseterre; and building additional storage reservoirs, including a 500,000-gallon reservoir in Cayon to improve supply from Keys to Lodge.
Minister Maynard urged citizens to take water conservation seriously, highlighting that hundreds of thousands of gallons are lost daily due to leaks and waste.
Additionally, the Water Services Department has been tasked with ensuring residents pay their water bills, as the government aims to maintain affordable water rates without increasing costs.
To mark World Water Day, the government has organized several activities throughout the week, including a church service, school quizzes, and a customer appreciation event.
