AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye BWS UPDATE ON SAN PEDRO WATER SUPPLY ISSUES

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - April 9, 2018.
Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) is aware of customer complaints from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, regarding recent water restrictions on the island. In San Pedro, unlike all other service areas, BWS does not produce, but only distributes, potable water. This is due to a long-term binding contract (2004 -2026) with Consolidated Water Belize Limited (CWBL) for the supply of bulk potable water. This contract was negotiated with, and agreed to by, the foreign investor, Cascal BV, who held the majority ownership of BWS from 2001 to 2005.

Unfortunately, this contract restricts BWS from producing or purchasing potable water from any other third-party entity. Over the last few years, the CWBL plant has been unable to supply the quantity of water necessary to meet the demand during extended peak periods, as experienced over the recent Easter holidays, despite BWS implementing a rigorous programme to manage the water storage.

BWS has been in negotiations with CWBL to find ways to resolve this dire situation as quickly as possible. BWS is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure adequate water supply to this very critical location as soon as possible.

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Belize Water Services informs customers in San Pedro that they are experiencing lower than normal pressure in the water supply for the remainder of today, Monday, April 9, 2018. The entire San Pedro Water Distribution System is affected. This low pressure is the result of ongoing works at the Pumping Station. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored.

And so?

No quick resolution in sight for island's water shortage problem

BWS states that it is currently in negotiations with CWBL to find ways to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. "Over the last few years, the CWBL plant has been unable to supply the quantity of water necessary to meet the demand during extended peak periods, as experienced over the recent Easter holidays, despite BWS implementing a rigorous program to manage water storage."

"I have to be filling buckets, bins, and other containers for backup," said a concerned DFC resident. "Even when there is water, the pressure is very low. I hope that this issue gets solved as soon as possible." Business owners are concerned with the ongoing water shortage affecting their business. "This not only affects the residents of the island but also our tourism industry. Tourists come from a long day out on the sea and they want to take a bath and there is no water. That doesn't look good for businesses. With Ambergris Caye being one of the most touristic areas of Belize, we should not be having this kind of issue," said one frustrated hotelier.

The water shortage and low pressure in San Pedro Town are expected to continue, at least for this upcoming week. BWS Operations Manager, Dave Pascascio says that the company is fully aware of the dire situation on the island. "We are working together with the CWBL to solve this problem. This is not a situation that we can fix in one or two days; it will take time, that's why we ask residents to have patience. The water shortage and low pressure will continue on the island," said Pascascio.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

We had heard this before.... If I am understanding this correctly, BWS simply will not negotiate with CWBL for more water.... Therefore it is still a problem with management at BWS unable to make a proper forecast and order water as needed. Hope the PUC can get involved and put a little pressure on the situation...... The hard working field staff at BWS and the face to face workers are just as frustrated as the rest of us.....

Some water history

http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/10657

Thank you Katie.....

Belize Water Services informs customers in San Pedro that they are experiencing lower than normal pressure in the water supply for the remainder of today, Saturday, April 14, 2018. The entire San Pedro Water Distribution System is affected.
This low pressure is the result of ongoing works at the Pumping Station. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored.

This is so unfortunate. I very much enjoy visiting San Pedro but not having water after flying all that way, especially in the tropics, would be a bit hard to bear.

same thing today.... Belize Water Services informs customers in San Pedro that they are experiencing lower than normal pressure in the water supply for the remainder of today, Sunday, April 15, 2018. The entire San Pedro Water Distribution System is affected.