WRMA Warns Saint Lucia’s Water Resources at Critical Levels as Dry Season Worsens
Saint Lucia’s water resources have reached critical levels, with authorities warning that below normal rainfall and limited storage capacity are placing the island’s supply under serious threat.
Director of the Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA), Jason Ernest, said river flows and key catchments used by the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) are already under strain as the dry season intensifies.
Rainfall during the latter part of 2025 and early 2026 fell below normal levels, leaving water reserves vulnerable. Although rainfall in late January temporarily raised levels at the John Compton Dam, Ernest said overall conditions remain concerning. “If we compare to February 2024, conditions were much better in that year compared to this year,” he noted, referencing the last water-related emergency declared on the island.
The WRMA also highlighted Saint Lucia’s limited storage capacity as a key weakness. The island relies heavily on consistent rainfall to sustain river flows and groundwater reserves, but its steep terrain causes much of the water to run off into the sea before it can be stored.
Ernest cautioned that rainfall does not always translate into immediate water supply, as intense rainfall can force WASCO to temporarily shut down intakes due to poor water quality.
The agency is now closely monitoring conditions, with February expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the situation improves or worsens.
In the meantime, residents are being urged to conserve water and increase storage capacity, including rainwater harvesting, to reduce the impact of possible supply disruptions as the dry season continues.
