‘People shouldn’t expect there will be water in their taps every day’: why is St Lucia running out of water?

Saint Lucia is facing a severe water scarcity crisis, despite millions of dollars invested in infrastructure, due to crumbling systems and erratic rainfall. Residents like Madeleine Solomon, 55, have endured months of intermittent water supply, forcing reliance on water tanks, rainwater harvesting, and expensive bottled water. The island's water infrastructure, developed decades ago, struggles to cope with the current demands and the impacts of climate change, which are leading to less predictable rainfall patterns. The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has acknowledged the challenges, attributing the issues to a combination of aging pipes, increased demand, and insufficient water storage capacity. While the government has initiated projects aimed at improving water management and expanding access, these efforts have not yet fully resolved the widespread shortages. The situation highlights the vulnerability of small island developing states to climate change impacts and the critical need for sustained investment in resilient water infrastructure. Experts warn that without significant upgrades and adaptation strategies, the frequency and severity of water shortages are likely to increase, impacting public health, agriculture, and the tourism-dependent economy.