Basseterre, St. Kitts – On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Water Manager and Engineer at the Water Services Department (WSD), Cromwell Williams, reiterated the WSD’s commitment to increase water supplies through drilling. At the time, Williams was speaking on the WSD’s bi-weekly radio show, the Water Line, in its final episode for 2024.
Williams highlighted the WSD’s achievements and plans regarding drilling. He recalled how the commissioning of the well at Cabbage Tree in Cayon resulted in 24/7 water service for the area since May 2024.
He also stated that the WSD entered into a contractual agreement with a German company in November to undertake a geophysical survey beginning in January 2025. The survey will identify potential drilling sites using drone technology, which is more efficient, accurate, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
Before the WSD could rely on drone technology, Williams explained that his team would ordinarily drill a two-inch diameter test hole and examine the soil profile and other data to determine the viability of drilling a well in that location. “Now we’re able to access the same information, in terms of the soil profile […] without doing that test hole,” Williams said.
The takeaway for customers currently experiencing water service supply issues is that they may likely see an increase in supply due to drilling in 2025.
“In the first quarter of next year, we will be moving forward in drilling our additional wells throughout the island,” Williams said.
Williams’ statement underscores the WSD’s steadfast commitment to ensuring increased access to potable water and a return to round-the-clock service throughout the island.
