The recent commissioning of the Ffryes Beach desalination plant is another significant step toward water security for Antigua and Barbuda. However, desalination alone may not be a complete solution, as challenges such as high energy consumption and long-term sustainability remain. To complement these efforts, innovative decentralized water treatment solutions, like WOTA’s advanced water recycling technology, are being explored as a viable alternative.

To tackle this issue, the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japanese company WOTA, which specializes in decentralized water recycling systems. We sat down with Ryo Yamada, co-founder of WOTA, to discuss the company’s mission, technology, and plans for Antigua.

The Birth of WOTA: Addressing a Global Water Crisis

Ryo Yamada, co-founder of WOTA

WOTA was founded in 2014 while Ryo Yamada and his co-founder Riki were still university students. Their initial focus was on Japan’s aging and unsustainable water infrastructure, which is difficult to maintain as the population shrinks. Their solution? A small-scale, decentralized water recycling system that could make water management more financially viable.

“We realized that this technology could be used worldwide,” Yamada explained. “In Japan, earthquakes and other disasters often disrupt water infrastructure. Our system provides a decentralized solution that ensures access to clean water even in crisis situations.”

The WOTA Box: How It Works 

WOTA’s flagship product, the WOTA BOX, is a potable water recycling system that treats greywater (from showers and sinks) to a level safe for drinking. Unlike traditional recycling systems, which only purify water for irrigation or toilet flushing, WOTA’s technology enables full reuse inside the home.

“Our system can purify up to 98% of wastewater,” Yamada said. “In our pilot in Antigua, we’ve consistently achieved recycling rates of around 95%, producing high-quality drinking water.”

WOTA first connected with Antigua and Barbuda at COP26 in Scotland, where they presented their technology. Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph recognized its potential and initiated discussions.

“We visited Antigua, conducted research, and deployed our WOTA BOX to demonstrate how water recycling works,” Yamada explained. “This was done as part of the first MOU in 2022, focused on gathering data on local water issues. The second MOU, signed recently, is centered on piloting our home-based system.”

WOTA has installed three “WOTA Home Kit” units in Antiguan homes as part of a six-month pilot program. The unit currently being tested in Antigua focuses solely on recycling greywater. In addition, WOTA has also developed two other versions of the units: one that purifies rainwater and another that recycles household blackwater (sewage water) separately for toilet flushing. The goal is to reduce dependence on government-supplied water and alleviate drainage issues in areas with poor soil percolation.

Testing and Early Results

The pilot program has been running for seven months, and the results are promising.

  • Water recycling rate: Over 95%
  • Water treated: More than 10,000 gallons per site
  • Electricity usage: Less than a standard television (120W)
  • Water quality: Consistently meets drinking water standards

“The response from homeowners has been overwhelmingly positive,” Yamada said. “Many of them experienced daily water outages before, but now they have a stable, high-quality water supply.”

Future Plans: Scaling Up in Antigua and Beyond

With the pilot completed, discussions with the Antiguan government are ongoing to determine financing and scalability. WOTA aims to make the system affordable for homeowners, with minimal maintenance costs—only periodic filter replacements and one annual service check.

Beyond Antigua, there is growing interest from neighbouring Caribbean nations such as St. Kitts and Barbados, as well as from resorts and government buildings looking for sustainable water solutions.

“[All things being equal] we hope to begin mass installations in Antigua by the end of the year,” Yamada stated. “In the long run, we want to build local capacity—hiring technicians, assembling parts here, and transferring skills to the local workforce.”

If successful, the initiative could be expanded beyond government housing projects to private residences and commercial developments, further reducing strain on national water resources.

A New Approach to Water Infrastructure 

WOTA’s vision is to revolutionize global water management by creating a best mix of centralized and decentralized infrastructure.

“Traditional water infrastructure is expensive, slow to build, and inflexible,” Yamada explained. “Our model is different—it’s modular, scalable, and adaptable. Instead of waiting years for a large treatment plant, we can install our systems quickly, adjusting to population changes as needed.”

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to seek long-term solutions to the water crisis, the government is committed to implementing innovative strategies to enhance water security and environmental sustainability.  A government spokesperson stated, “To ensure a reliable water supply for both individuals and businesses, the government is investing significant resources in desalination and exploring alternative solutions.”

This partnership with WOTA is part of broader efforts to modernize water infrastructure and reduce the impact of climate change on the nation’s resources.

WOTA’s innovative approach offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient alternative. With promising pilot results and strong governmental support, this collaboration could mark a turning point in the country’s water management strategy—one that could be replicated across the Caribbean and beyond.

For now, WOTA is focused on scaling up operations, and working with the government to make this technology accessible to as many homes as possible.