Climate Change and the Water Sector

Transcription

1 National Issues Paper on Climate Change and the Water Sector in Saint Lucia April 2009

2 1.0 Why water is a key sector for Saint Lucia Saint Lucia has a fragile economy which has been evolving over the years from one being heavily dependent on Agriculture specifically banana production to one which is dependent on Tourism and Other Services (80% GDP), Agriculture (5% GDP) and Industry (15% GDP). Freshwater is a fragile, finite and vulnerable resource vital to human, economic and environmental sustainability and influences national prosperity and quality of life. The water sector is a cross cutting sector and plays an important role in all sectors in Saint Lucia and therefore any impact of climate change on the water sector could have far reaching repercussions on the economy of the country and affect life in general, being a catalyst for economic development and a vehicle for empowerment and poverty alleviation. Over the years there has been a significant focus on the water sector in Saint Lucia with the government initiating a reform of the sector in 1999 which is still ongoing. It is clear that significant investments are required to bring the sector to the level required to meet the current demand and future needs. Water demand continues to change rapidly in certain areas, for example the extreme north due to high infra structural development and migration of people into areas in the north and other major centers of commercial activity in the south. In general there is water supply versus demand deficit, island wide, and this is affected directly by rainfall distribution. Although there have been continuous improvements, the potable water supply, has in recent years, been severely affected by pressures of increased demand as a result of socio -economic development, destruction of upper watersheds, increasing exploitation of the rivers and wetlands, and an inefficient, inadequate and aging water distribution network. The ability of the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) to meet the current demand for water, island wide is as a result of a combination of marginal river base flows experienced during the dry season and high turbidity during the rainy season. It is widely suggested that present water demand is exceeding the available supply and that the potential increase in future demand can only serve to exacerbate this deficit. While the available data does not allow for an exact determination of supply/demand dynamics, data of the potential supply/demand situation within various sectors and zones and for the island as a whole point more to a suppressed demand than a real deficit [AGRICO, 2001]. Freshwater supplies are highly susceptible to normal climate variability. This results in periods of excess rainfall which can lead to flooding as well as periods of below normal rainfall which leads to drought conditions. During such periods of heavy rainfall watercourses are susceptible to siltation which impacts significantly on raw water quality. In addition there are a number of anthropogenic activities currently affecting the quality of Saint Lucia s rivers and freshwater systems. These include: housing, agriculture, water abstraction, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, tourism, fishing, river sand mining, manufacturing, river bathing and picnicking, and river alteration. Page 2

3 Although it is suggested that the island currently has sufficient freshwater to meet all demands, a key concern is that the resources are unevenly distributed temporally and spatially. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that an Integrated Water Resources Assessment be conducted to ascertain the actual available water resources as well as the water resource potential. The need for an implemented Integrated Water Resource Management Plan cannot be overstated. 2.0 Key Aspects of the Water Sector Saint Lucia is a small island developing country and experiences year round warm, humid conditions associated with the tropical marine climate which can be attributed to its location. The geographical location of the island results in the occurrence of tropical storms and hurricanes during the rainy season. The island s weather is influenced by the Atlantic High Pressure system, surface, mid and upper level troughs/lows, the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, tropical waves and cyclones and the occasional frontal system. The island experiences wet (June November) and dry (December May) rainfall seasons annually. In the wet season the quantity of rainfall is influenced primarily by the frequency and intensity of tropical waves, depressions, storms and hurricanes. Saint Lucia is a volcanic island and is geologically composed of impermeable rock. Therefore movement of water into underground reserves is very limited. Water resources are as a result from surface sources in rivers, wetlands, streams and springs. There are thirty-seven (37) main sources of surface run-off (figure 1) and few groundwater sources. Surface water catchments are relatively small, with steep slopes on which run-off occurs fairly rapidly. Surface water yields for potable water purposes vary due to increased abstraction and in some cases soil and chemical contamination. Surface water is heavily exploited for municipal and agricultural purposes. The island s freshwater requirements are met through an integrated network of river intakes, treatment plants, transmission pipelines and distribution systems. These system components are under operation and control of the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO). With respect to the potable water supply there are four (4) major water supply systems in the country: North - Roseau Dam and Hill 20, South - Grace and Beausejour. The supply to the treatment plants is from water streams through both gravity and pumped conveyance systems. The above mentioned systems treat the raw water in filtration plants and then disinfect. There are approximately 56,000 customers (households and commercial establishments) served by the system, distributed between the networks in the north and south [WASCO, 2009]. As noted earlier there are a number of challenges to WASCO in the provision of an adequate water supply island wide. Page 3

4 Figure 1 : Watersheds in Saint Lucia Inter annual variability in the Southern Caribbean climate is influenced strongly the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). El Niño episodes bring warmer and drier than average conditions between June and August and La Niña episodes bring colder and wetter conditions at this time [Saint Lucia Hires Report]. Observational records and climate projections provide abundant evidence that freshwater resources are vulnerable and have the potential to be strongly impacted by climate change, with wide-ranging consequences for human societies and ecosystems [IPCC, Special Report on Climate Change & Water]. A thorough understanding and response to climate change is critical for small island developing states (SIDS) like Saint Lucia. Despite the fact that Saint Lucia s contribution to the source of this anthropogenic change is minimal, by virtue of inherent characteristics such as geographic location, small land mass with high proportion of low lying coastal Page 4

5 areas, the island is rendered vulnerable to the anticipated impacts of climate change on the water sector. It is expected that climate change will result in impacts on water resources sources as follows, through : 1. Changes in surface and groundwater systems 2. Changes in water quality 3. Increased flooding 4. Increased droughts 5. Changes in water temperature 6. Changes in water chemistry 7. Increased water erosion and sedimentation 8. Decreased freshwater availability due to saltwater intrusion Table 1 below highlights the anticipated impacts on the Fresh Water Resources as indicated in the Government of Saint Lucia First National Communication on Climate Change. IMPACTS Table 1 : Anticipated Impacts on the Fresh Water Resources [Source: CC FNC, GOSL] IMPLICATIONS Climate Change Factor: Sea Level Rise Sea level rise may precipitate the intrusion of salt water into fresh water lenses, particularly in low- lying coastal areas. While there is little use of ground water in Saint Lucia, saline intrusions will reduce the quantity and quality of potential source of potable water. Irrigation with brackish water will most often destroy crops and ruin soils. Climate Change Factor: Tropical Storm Activity Destruction and/or modification of existing aquatic ecosystems caused by the increased frequency and intensity of precipitation. Soil erosion resulting from increased surface run off on exposed soils. Siltation of river systems during periods of increased rainfall. Temporary increase in water supply. Damage to water intakes, dams and reservoirs leaving settlements without water or providing poor water quality. Increased social and economic cost to ensure that these facilities are maintained. Degradation of the habitats of species of flora and fauna which occupy the aquatic ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Page 5

6 IMPACTS Climate Change Factor: Precipitation Decreased precipitation: Periods of low precipitation are likely to be accompanied by extended dry periods. Increased frequency & Intensity of precipitation: Destruction and/or modification of existing aquatic ecosystems. Siltation of river systems. Increased incidence of flooding. The likelihood of cross contamination from leaching of pit latrines into flood plains increases during flooding. Climate Change Factor: Temperature Possibility of excessive evapo-transpiration associated with the level of temperature increases of the high precipitation scenario. Municipal demands are likely to increase as higher temperatures lead to increased water consumption. IMPLICATIONS Extended periods of drought leading to decreases in water supply for domestic and other use. Consumers who normally maximize rainwater stores may need to increase consumption of treated water to meet domestic needs. The elevation of water rates to discourage wastage and greater efficiency of production may be another necessary option. Temporary increase in water supply. Damage to water intakes, dams and reservoirs and/or pollution of water sources leaving settlements without water or providing poor water quality. Increased social and economic cost to ensure that these facilities are maintained. Degradation of the habitats of species of flora and fauna, which occupy the aquatic ecosystems leading to a loss of biodiversity. Loss of livestock and crops Increased freshwater outflows will reduce the salinity of coastal waters with consequences for fisheries, as coral reefs and sea grass beds no longer support their normal biodiversity. Loss of soil moisture, which will impact on crop production. Dwindling basal flows may alter the biophysical parameters of rivers and wetlands sufficiently to affect breeding cycles, offspring and parent fecundity, offspring survival and overall species resistance to environmental stresses such as disease and fishing effort. Page 6

7 3.0 Adaptation Options for the Water Sector The Climate Change First National Communication [CCFNC] for Saint Lucia indicated that adaptation involves developing and institutionalizing various levels of capacity, as well as developing expertise and building knowledge through research and monitoring. Such adaptation measures are most effective if implemented early while the various systems are still intact. It is suggested that anticipatory approaches can also greatly mitigate the need for forced ad hoc responses at a subsequent date when loss of resources and poorly planned developments will likely limit the range of adaptation options available [CCFNC]. The Climate Change First National Communication [CCFNC] highlighted the following as select adaptation options for Saint Lucia for the Water Sector: 1. Reductions in line losses 2. Accurately reflecting costs of water supply 3. Restoration of riverbanks and wetlands 4. Water conservation 5. Public awareness 6. Improved management of forest resources including private forests 7. Strengthening data collection 8. Development of a national water management plan To this end the Government of Saint Lucia in recognition of the potential implications of the impacts of climate change on water resources remains committed to addressing these issues as indicated in The Saint Lucia National Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Plan (2003). The following articulates the government s commitment as stated in the plan [GOSL, CCPAP] : In addressing these and other related issues, the Government of Saint Lucia, in collaboration with other relevant entities, will: 1. Develop or improve the basis for sound decision making by promoting and fostering the developing of capacity to undertake research into and analysis of the relevant climate change processes (including forecasting and data collection). 2. Undertake a comprehensive inventory of all water resources including surface and ground water. 3. Promote the strengthening of national water management agencies to ensure the sound management of the island s water resources. 4. Develop a long-term national water management plan which incorporates and addresses Climate Change concerns including catchment and watershed protection and saltwater intrusion. Page 7

8 5. Undertake reforestation and other measures to increase the resilience of watersheds and catchments to maximize water availability and to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation. 6. Assess and address needs for water storage and distribution infrastructure to ensure water availability during drought periods. 7. Promote initiatives to identify and, where necessary, exploit non-traditional water sources such as groundwater. 3.1 Additional Considerations : - Adaptation Measures Beyond the areas highlighted by Government in the Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Plan the following needs to be considered: 1. The Water Sector Reform process when concluded this year will result in a new company to manage the provision of services to the sector as well as regulatory environment. This is critical as investments under this program are key to the water security of the country and by extension result in a reduced vulnerability of the sector. 2. Map areas susceptible to saline intrusions and develop alternative sources of water supply. Also explore the use of desalination techniques for saline tainted water source. 3. It is important not only to consider supplying water demand from conventional sources such as rivers but also look at alternatives to these sources. The following are sources that can be used to augment the supply to facilitate long term, sustainability of the water resources. Wastewater Reuse : - Waste water can be reused depending on its origin and the purpose for which it is required. Domestic wastewater is perhaps a better choice of wastewater over industrial wastewater but of course this depends on the nature of the industry. Domestic wastewater for example can be used for irrigation of golf courses in the hotel sector. Hotels tend to consume a significant amount of fresh water at the expense of local consumers. This option can allow a reduction in the potable water demand of hotels. Storm Water Collection & Use : - This is an option that is worth looking into in more detail. It is evident in Saint Lucia that a significant amount of water is wasted and simply flows into the sea during and after periods of rainfall. If this water is collected and treated it could be used for normal consumption. Ground Water : - Due to the general impervious nature of the volcanic bedrock very little water that fall as precipitation is stored as ground water. As indicated previously the reserves are inadequate for major consumptive purposes. However Page 8

9 in recent times there has been exploration of deep groundwater reserves. It is worth pursuing further. Desalination : - In this case the seawater resource is abundant but all factors need to be considered to ascertain the economic feasibility. This can be used as a last resort due to the high cost associated with the process. It should be noted that due to improved technology some desalination plants prove to be comparable in terms of cost but this is dependent on the specific situation and the cost of the options available. One option is the utilization of brackish water or slightly saline water from waters contaminated by salt water intrusions. Rainwater Harvesting: - This is the collection and concentration of rainwater and runoff for irrigation of annual crops, pastures and trees, domestic consumption and livestock consumption. Catchment areas for rainwater harvesting are roof tops, small ground surfaces, courtyards, streets, public squares, slopes and large catchment areas feeding seasonal rivers. Storage mediums consist of : underground soil, sediment, cisterns; above ground tanks and jars, ponds, reservoirs. Roof top rainwater harvesting is already being explored in some areas in Saint Lucia with domestic water supply problems. In recent times there have been a number of projects supported by the European Union, Government of Saint Lucia, Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (GEF funded) promoting the widespread reintroduction of rainwater harvesting. 3.2 Adaptation Measures under consideration and implementation Further to the identification of adaptation measures listed previously, the following highlights initiatives being pursued : 1. Water Sector Reform Process to address the following: a. Regulation and Management of Water Resources to include the development of an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan, identification of alternative sources of water (groundwater or desalination), promote water conservation, establish system and sustain collection of water resources data. b. Regulation and Management of Provision of Services to include the establishment of a new company to facilitate installation and maintenance of new infrastructure and maintenance of old infrastructure and systems. 2. Water Conservation and Demand Management : a. Introduction of rainwater harvesting schemes. b. Promotion of water conservation in the dry season. c. Promotion of the use of water conservation devices. d. Wastewater reuse. e. Water demand reduction. Page 9

10 4.0 Key issues in Assessing Investment and Financial Flows In assessing investment and financial flows when dealing with climate change adaptation in the water sector a number of issues need to be considered. Water Resource Management encompasses a wide range of sectors and is impacted by areas such as agriculture, forestry, urban environment, reservoir development, wetlands, groundwater reserves. Some of the major issues which must be considered are as follows: 1. Inadequate Natural and Water Resource Management. 2. Water Resource Availability and Quality There is a water supply deficit island wide based on the supply and demand of the various water systems. This is particularly acute in the dry season. Poor raw & treated water quality is an issue in some areas. It is necessary to assess the impact of agricultural intensification as well as deforestation on water quality and availability. Soil erosion, land degradation, sedimentation, poor land drainage, uncontrolled rural development, are issues that require consideration. 3. Current State of the Water Sector i.e. Investments required to ensure the sustainability of the sector with normal variability and no climate change. Currently the Water Supply Infrastructure is inadequate. 4. Inadequate Data availability Current & Historic Rainfall, Stream Flow, Runoff, Water Demand & Supply. 5. Absence of Implemented the Water & Land Use Policy as it relates to Water Resource Management. 6. Inadequate Institutional and Regulatory Capacity. 7. The extent to which non action in relation to the water sector investments will exacerbate the climate change impacts. 8. How does one apportion the adaptation costs to climate change. It is clear that climate change will have impacts on the availability of water for the potable water supply. Even without the effects of climate change and variability there are significant challenges to the sector. It should be noted that the First National Communication [FNC] was based on expert judgment and included a situational analysis of the sector. It did not contain detailed analyses based on scenario generation and modeling of climate change conditions and impacts. The Second National Communication is currently ongoing and the Vulnerability and Adaptation component which has not yet been untaken is expected to produce a more detailed data collection and analysis of the sector resulting in scenario generation and a quantitative determination of the vulnerabilities and associated costs of adaptation. Page 10

11 4.1 Constraints In the assessment of climate change impacts on the water sector, one of the major issues is quantifying the resource. It is clear that if you cannot measure, it you cannot manage it. It is necessary that the availability of the resource be measured. Only then can one clearly determine the extent to which climate change will have adverse effects on the resource and the extent to which the adaptation measures need to be effective. It should be noted that the major issues emanating from this analysis are issues that exist even with the potential effects of climate change. It is there difficult to apportion costs of adaptation measures for climate change impacts as most of these investments were required anyway to deal with existing challenges to the sector. There are a number of constraints in this sector: Data availability there is a paucity of data. It is necessary to have well established records of Current & Historic Rainfall, Stream Flow, Runoff, Water Demand & Supply. The data available is insufficient to facilitate proper planning and as such the establishment of a system of continuous collection of data is important. (Legal Responsibility of the Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA). Inadequate Water Supply Infrastructure the infrastructure is over 50 years old and is in dire need of replacement. (Legal Responsibility of the Water Company (WASCO/ NewCo). Absence of implemented water & land use policy as it relates to water resource management and inadequate natural and water resource management. (Legal Responsibility of the Water Resource Management Agency (WRMA)). Inadequate Institutional and Regulatory Capacity absence of a functional Water Resources Management Agency and National Water and Sewerage Commission as mandate by law. It should be noted the above mentioned constraints will be dealt with through the establishment and operationalization of the Water Resource Management Agency (WRMA) and the Water and Sewerage Commission (WSC) and the New Water Company (NewCo) which is expected within the next 3 months. 4.2 Modeling and Scenario Limitations and/or Assumptions It should be noted that there are a number of limitations as it relates to monitoring and scenario generation as follows: 1. Availability of data required to develop models based on various scenarios. 2. Inadequate national capacity to develop the required models for the region. It is therefore necessary to seek relevant expertise in countries where English is not the Page 11

12 primary language. As a result the language barrier poses challenges with respect to capacity building. 3. Inability to purchase relevant models and modeling software. 4. Due to differences in models for various regions, technology transfer is limited. 5. Application of available models to the local situation is limited and also inability to select appropriate models. 6. Models utilized for local application are scaled down from global models and as such the accuracy of models and scenario generation is assumed. 7. Ability to communicate to policy makers information arising from models. It should be noted the climate change timelines are long term (30, 50, 100 years etc). There is a challenge to convince the policy makers of the need to act now and address such a long term phenomena in the short to medium term within their shorter political term of office. It should be noted that based on the above, a key approach developed to move forward especially with respect to completion of the Second National Communication s, Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment is as follows: 1. Utilize the Climate Change expertise in the region from Cuba, Jamaica and Barbados. This will deal with the language barrier as well as ensure that the most appropriate models are selected and modified for Saint Lucia since these countries possess the expertise required. 2. This assessment has a strong capacity building component and as such the local expertise involved will be trained where necessary to ensure the country is capable of conducting future assessments. 5.0 Assessment of Investment and Financial Flows 5.1 Proposed Methodological Approach in Assessing Investment and Financial Flows The following highlights the approach being proposed to assess investment and financial flows: 1. Development and application of appropriate models to clearly articulate anticipated climate change scenarios and the effects on the sector. It should be noted that the First National Communication did not utilized models. It is expected that models will be used for the Second National Communication. It is expected that a combination of global and regional models will be utilized in the SNC Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment including the use of the PRECIS model and a compatible global model. Page 12

13 2. Situation Analysis using a basic scenario with or without climate change. In assessing impacts and costs associated with climate change adaptations it is necessary to assess the situation with and without climate change. There are a number of interventions that are required even without climate change being an issue. It should be noted however that if these issues are not addressed on their own merit, the effect of climate change will only exacerbate the situation. 3. Assessment of costs anticipated with the existing challenges without the application of climate change scenarios. 4. Assessment of costs associated with climate change. This is expected to be initiated during the preparation of the Second National Communication for the Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment. It should be noted that the water sector reform process has generated costs associated with the improvement in the level of service of the sector including critical investments in areas of water supply and sewerage services required to sustain the sector. This figure has been estimated to be EC$1.7 billion over a 30 year period [Stone & Webster, 2004]. This does not take into consideration adaptation options. 5. Comparison of implementation timeline of normal development objectives in the sector. Determination of extent to which climate change impacts would have an effect in advance of the normal development commitments. 6. Establishment of a system for allocating investments and financial flows to climate change adaptation. This is expected to be initiated during the preparation of the Second National Communication for the Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment. 5.2 Institutional Arrangements and Key Stakeholders There are a number of legal instruments and stakeholders as it relates to the water sector in Saint Lucia. Figure 2 below highlights the key players in the sector as well as the relevant legal instruments. The key players in the sector are the Water Resource Management Agency (in embryonic stage), National Water and Sewerage Commission and Water Company (new company to be formed soon), Ministry of Health Public Health Department. Page 13

14 Figure 2 : Saint Lucia Water Cycle, Associated Legal Instruments and Main Actors [Source : CANARI, T. Geoghegan, 2002] 5.3 National Sources of Finance and Investment for the Sector To date water sector reform initiatives have been financially supported by the following : Government of Saint Lucia, World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, European Union, Government of France (AFD). It is expected that there will continue to be donor support for the sector. As well, with the new regime of private sector involvement it is expected that much needed investments will also be met by private sector interests. Since 1998, Government of Saint Lucia recognized the need for reforming the Water Sector. The major reasons being the poor performance, unreliability of supply, low coverage of sewerage, poor financial performance and low level of capital investment faced by the then Water Company. The Water Sector Reform Project (funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the World Bank, WASCO and the Government of Saint Lucia, EC$ 24 million) aimed to prepare an adequate legal and regulatory framework for the private delivery of water and sanitation services throughout Saint Lucia. The project s objective was to prepare the Water Company for the transition from a publicly managed utility, to a privately managed and operated company. Additionally, the Page 14

15 project aims to safeguard the integrity of the critical water supply and wastewater services infrastructure through the implementation of urgently needed capital works in the region of EC$ 1.7 billion over a period of 30 years. Table 2 illustrates some critical investments anticipated in the short to medium term financed by the new water company, the Government of Saint Lucia, and various lending institutions and aid agencies. One of the major components of the Project was the strengthening of the Legal and Regulatory Framework. To this end Government focused on drafting the necessary laws, regulations and licenses for the sector. This is expected to facilitate significant and sustainable private sector participation in the water and sewerage sector while protecting the interests of Saint Lucia s consumers. Another component was the strengthening of the Environmental and Water Resource Management Framework. This is intended to create an enabling environment and water resource management framework for the delivery of sustainable water supply and sewerage services and to integrate water supply needs with environmental management. An Institutional Strengthening Program within the Water Company aimed to enhance the capacity of the company, with a view to improving the delivery of reliable and responsive service to its customers in the short to medium term. This involves the development and application of relevant industry accepted technical, financial, accounting and commercial information systems and procedures and appropriate staff training in key operational areas to upgrade their skills. The implementation of a critical capital works program was another aspect of the project. Due to the age of the system components, many facilities are approaching or reaching the end of their operating life. The objective of the program is to prevent further deterioration of the water supply and sewerage system, through the implementation of critical capital works to impact positively on the reliability and quality of service in the short term. The rehabilitation works that are planned under the project are those urgently needed to enhance the reliability of the system and to ensure that the improvements to these systems redound to the benefit of the population. Additionally, the improved systems are more likely to attract private sector capital, to fund further expansion and upgrading of the water supply and sewerage networks. The projects currently being implemented in the sector are critical to mitigate against the problems resulting from the inadequate water supply systems island wide. It is therefore important these be taken into consideration as any scheme of adaptation options should be in synergy with each other and benefit from each other. It is further suggested that a scheme be devised to apportion cost to climate change adaptation as some of the recommendations are required without any climate change impacts. Page 15

16 Table 2 : Schedule of Investments (Short to Medium Term) [Source : Diagnostic of the Utility, Santander Investment Services, February 2006] INVESTMENT SCHEDULE Millions US$ NORTH AND SOUTH SERVICES Hydrological study of the watersheds Study of new water sources Geographic Information System Commercial Information & Billing System Administration Systems Offices Office Equipment and Miscellaneous Vehicles and Mobile Equipment NORTHERN REGION Physical Losses Reduction Meters Normalisation & renovation of existing connections Commercial System (collection improvement) Bulk Metering Installations modification for better operation Treatment Plants Improvement Pumping Stations Improvement Reservoirs improvement Sewer Treatment Plant Sewer Network Extension Roseau Upgrade SOUTHERN REGION Dennery Micoud Vieux Fort Choiseul Soufriere Canaries Physical Losses Reduction Renovation and Normalisation of existing connections Commercial System (collection improvement) Meters Installations modification for better operation Troumasse River Intake TOTAL INVESTMENTS Page 16

17 6.0 Conclusion Saint Lucia s Climate Change Adaptation Policy & Strategy [2003] is premised on an acceptance that climate change is happening and it will continue to occur even if immediate steps are taken to reduce global warming. Also accepted is the fact that the effects thereof are more than likely to have a profound, and in sum, adverse, impact on the economic, social, and environmental aspects of life in the country. The water service provider (Water and Sewerage Company Inc) has the responsibility to supply consumers with potable water; however the Government and People of the country being the custodians of the water resources of the country bear responsibility for water resource management through a recently established Water Resource Management Agency. Due to the fragile nature of the water resource it is necessary to promote a joint responsibility of its management and promotion of adaption measures to deal with climate change. All citizens have to play a part from a domestic level to a commercial and industrial level. Such effects on water resources will have far reaching consequences on all sectors, domestic consumers, commercial consumers, tourism plants, industrial consumers, the agricultural sector, the health sector. It is clear that Water is Life. Inadequate supply of water for all sectors can result in a collapse of the economy as there are very few options to do otherwise. 7.0 Bibliography & References: 1. National Climate Change Adaptation Policy, 2003, Government of Saint Lucia. 2. Saint Lucia s Initial National Communication on Climate Change, Climate Change and Water, IPCC Technical Paper VI, June Saint Lucia Hires Report, UNDP Climate Change Country Profile. 5. Saint Lucia Water Policy, Report on National Water Situation and Assessment of National Water Profile prepared by AGRICO Ltd. December Incentives for Watershed Management in Saint Lucia : Results of a Brief Diagnostic, CANARI, T. Geoghegan, August Investment Feasibility and Financial Strategy for PSP in Saint Lucia, Technical Assessment and Operational Efficiency Report, Stone and Webster, October Page 17

18 9. Diagnostic of the Utility, Transaction in St. Lucia s Water Utility, Santander Investment Services S.A. - Société des Eaux de Marseille, February, Page 18