Water Services Department
Progress Update | (June 5, 2025)
Recent Achievements
Completion of Targeted Pipe Installation Works
Works at various residential subdivisions, expanding network coverage and improving service reliability to underserved communities (Stapleton Village Extension Phase 2, Shadwell West Housing Development, and Sea Breeze Manor).
New Service Connecctions
Over 270 new connections to date.
Strengthened Public Engagement
Ongoing water conservation awareness campaigns, enhancements to the customer complaint system, and improved responsiveness to service issues.
Ongoing Collaboration with Regional Partners to Build Institutional Capacity and Infrastructure Resilience
Notably, the Water Services Department coordinated with the G-CREWS Project Team in Grenada to facilitate a study tour focused on learning from the design and implementation of their Green Climate Fund (GCF)-financed water resilience initiatives. This included site visits to infrastructure projects, discussions on climate adaptation strategies in water resource management, and knowledge exchange on stakeholder engagement, project monitoring, and integrating gender sensitive approaches.
Advancement of the TransWater Project
The Water Services Department has made significant
progress on the TransWater Project, a collaborative initiative with the Green Climate Fund aimed
at transitioning St. Kitts and Nevis to a low-carbon, climate-resilient water supply sector. This
flagship project focuses on strengthening the enabling environment for sustainable water
management, reducing non-revenue water, and mainstreaming low-carbon, climate-resilient water
supply systems.
The GCF has approved for the SKN TransWater Project to move to the Project
Preparation Facility (PPF) Stage which requires the following studies to be conducted: feasibility
studies, environmental and social assessments, and developing project-level indicators to inform
the design of a technically and financially sound funding proposal. The PPF stage is required before
the final approval stage, which will be in 2026. The project aligns with the Federation’s Water
Adaptation Plan and supports the Sustainable Island State Agenda and the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals.
Ongoing & Upcoming Projects
Construction of the 2MGPD Desalination Plant in Basseterre
Now nearing 50% completion, this state-of-the-art plant is one of the largest climate adaptation investments in the country’s history. Once operational, it will produce up to two million gallons of potable water per day, significantly increasing national water capacity and enhancing overall climate resilience.
Installation of a 13” Transmission Main from the Desalination Plant to Morne Peak
This pipeline installation represents the largest of its kind ever undertaken by the Water Services Department. It will create a robust connection between the new desalination facility and key distribution points, ensuring reliable delivery of desalinated water to Basseterre and beyond.
Procurement and Introduction of Smart Prepaid Water Meters
This initiative will modernize customer water service by enabling real-time monitoring of usage, improving billing accuracy, and empowering customers to manage their water consumption more efficiently. It also supports the Department’s broader goals of reducing non-revenue water and enhancing service delivery.
Construction of a 500,000-Gallon Water Storage Tank in Cayon
This new tank will allow for more reliable supply during peak usage and emergency periods. It forms part of the Department’s strategic expansion of storage infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Fencing of the Olivees Tank Site
To bolster the security and integrity of vital infrastructure, the Department is undertaking the installation of perimeter fencing around the Olivees Tank. This will deter unauthorized access and safeguard the facility from potential contamination or vandalism.
Pipeline Replacement at the Southeast Peninsula
Preparatory works are underway for the replacement of aging pipelines in the Southeast Peninsula. The project aims to improve reduce the frequency of service interruptions, and address chronic issues such as pressure loss and leakage.
Planning and Design for the Drilling of Ten New Groundwater Wells
In response to increasing demand and to diversify water sources, the Department is finalizing plans to drill ten additional groundwater wells. Each well is projected to yield between 300 to 500 gallons per minute, significantly boosting production capacity and supply reliability across the island.
Implementation of a SCADA Pilot Project in Basseterre
The Department has launched a pilot for a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This digital platform will enable centralized, real-time monitoring and management of the water network, resulting in faster response to system issues, better data collection, and improved operational efficiency.
Turbidity and Silting Mitigation Post-Tropical Storm Ernesto
Following the severe weather events of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which impacted several key water sources, the Department has been actively engaged in flushing lines, strengthening operations, and planning infrastructure upgrades to improve water quality, especially in turbidity-prone areas.