CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC) – The St Lucia Water and sewerage Company (WASCO) Friday appealed to residents to conserve water, warning the island is been experiencing an intense dry spell that is affecting the utility’s water supply and distribution systems island wide.

“Due to the current effects of the dry weather pattern, residents at the extreme ends of distribution networks and at high elevations are likely to be affected first. A drought management plan for both the north and south of the island has been developed and will be implemented by the middle of March for the north and south if the intense dry weather continues,” WASCO said in a statement.

It said that in the south of the island, water yields at intakes have dropped by up to 25 per cent and “is urging customers to cease activities such as watering lawns, washing cars with hoses and all other water wasteful activities, in order to assist with attaining an equitable water supply to everyone.

“WASCO is calling on the public to report to the company any damages or leaks as soon as they are noticed as WASCO intensifies its drive to minimise wastage from identified leaks,” it said.

“WASCO said that due to the “uncertainty about the duration of the dry season and the potential for further and more rapid reduction in the water supply” it is appealing to the public to be considerate in the use and management of the water supply at home and in business places.

The public utility company is promising to “do all in its power to maintain a steady supply of water to customers” but was urging both nationals and visitors alike to implement measures to save water.

In 2010, The St Lucia government declared a water emergency amidst a prolonged drought that had also affected other Caribbean countries.