With meteorologists forecasting an intense and prolonged 2025/2026 dry season, the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) is rolling out a series of measures aimed at safeguarding the island’s water supply.
Chief Executive Officer of WASCO, Zilta George-Leslie says the company is preparing for “an increasingly challenging dry period” and is calling on the public to adopt stronger water-saving habits as soon as possible.
George-Leslie outlined major components of WASCO’s drought-readiness plan including the creation of a dedicated Non-Revenue Water Unit, scheduled to be launched by January 2026. She explained that non-revenue water includes both the physical losses that occur through leaks, overflows, and burst pipelines, as well as the apparent losses caused by unmetered or illegal connections and inaccurate billing. These combined losses, she said, significantly limit the amount of water available to the public.
According to her, the new unit will bring together WASCO’s SCADA, GIS and leak-detection operations, allowing for faster identification and repair of leaks across the system. The upgraded leak-detection equipment, she noted, is already being used for major pipeline monitoring.
She emphasized that public participation will be essential as the dry season approaches.
WASCO is expected to introduce a new reporting platform that will allow residents to call in and drop a digital pin marking the exact location of leaks in their communities. “We are going to need public support,” she said. “If persons can pinpoint leaks early, we can respond in a faster and more timely manner.”
George-Leslie also highlighted WASCO’s new 24-hour automated balance inquiry system, which allows customers to check their water bill at any time by dialing 457-3998. She said the service is especially helpful for those without internet access or those who need immediate information as they monitor usage during the dry season. “Just dial 457-3998 and your bill balance will be given to you through the system prompts,” she explained.
While WASCO continues to strengthen its internal systems, George-Leslie stressed that water conservation must remain a national priority. She encouraged customers to fix household leaks promptly, reduce unnecessary use, and report any bursts or overflows to the company as soon as they occur.
“For us, these are exciting times in terms of the improvements we are making,” she said. “We know the dry season will be challenging, but with better technology, faster response capabilities and the public’s cooperation, we are positioning ourselves to manage it effectively.”
WASCO expects to outline additional dry-season measures in the coming weeks.
