GWI urges conservation as Water conservancy dries up

Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 January 2016, 13:49 by Denis Chabrol

With an ongoing dry spell expected to last until May of this year, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is urging that persons make water conservation a priority.

At a press conference today, GWI CEO Dr Richard Van West Charles stated that water levels in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) were indeed low.

"This call is not only for Georgetown…we are asking residents to inform us as as soon as they observe leaks or breakages within the system," said Dr Charles.

He indicated too that while the water levels are low, GWI is attempting to address the situation with some immediacy.

In this regard, the water supply company will be pushing to rehabiltate three wells and build another to ensure that the water supply is steady.

He said "we will continue to monitor the situation as how this impacts the country."

The CEO noted too that "the pressures at the peak period of use will be maintained in the system…but conservation at this juncture is very important and therefore the citizenry needs to be involved."

It was noted that Georgetown uses some 50 megaliters per day and there is just about enough to meet that demand.

GWI is currently working with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to ensure that the dry spell does not have a severe effect on the water supply.