The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Ltd. (DOWASCO) wishes to provide an update on the recent interruptions currently affecting several communities under the WA1 water system, which serves areas from Mero to Castle Comfort, including Wallhouse, Warner, and Campbell.
The heavy and constant rainfall over the past few days has resulted in flooding of the riverbed along the Springfield River, where the intake supplying the WA1 system is located. This flooding caused the inlets at the intake to become submerged and clogged with silt, resulting in a complete blockage of water from entering the pipeline. During this process, silt was carried through the pipeline and into the distribution network, further affecting water flow.
DOWASCO’s technical team has since cleared the excess silt at the intake, unblocking the inlets and allowing normal flow of water into the pipeline network. As of this afternoon, high turbidity continues to affect our ability to fully restore the water supply. When the system is reopened, customers in lower elevation areas will begin receiving water service first, while those in higher elevations can expect restoration afterwards. Please note that it may take a few days for the network to return to optimum functionality as systems stabilize and normal pressure levels are restored.
Additionally, water interruptions in Grand Bay, Tête Morne, Soufrière, and Grand Fond are the result of ongoing works in those areas. The recent heavy rainfall has also caused blockages at the intakes serving these rural communities. DOWASCO teams are working steadily to stabilize these systems and restore normal flow as soon as possible.
As we celebrate our Independence season, DOWASCO reminds customers that the increased demand for water, coupled with the impact of heavy rainfall and ongoing projects, places added strain on our fragile water systems. We therefore urge all customers to practice conservation and to store adequate water for emergency use.
DOWASCO apologizes for the inconvenience caused and thanks the general public for their continued patience and cooperation.
This article is copyright © 2025 DOM767
