The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is urging residents to store at least 60 gallons of potable water per person to prepare for possible disruptions.

The warning comes after the utility company announced temporary reductions in water production, impacting distribution across several communities. The Water Business Unit said that daily production currently stands at six million imperial gallons falling significantly short of the nine million daily demand.

This deficit stems from multiple factors, including mechanical and technical challenges, adverse sea conditions, infrastructure disruptions, and the aging of Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) plants.

To address the issue, the APUA says it is taking steps to boost water production capacity. Efforts include increasing surface and groundwater supplies by integrating additional wells into the production network. The utility company has also expanded investments in reverse osmosis technology through agreements with NS Management and The Seven Seas Water Group.

These initiatives aim to add five million gallons to the water supply by the end of 2025. The Ffryes R.O. the facility, set to launch in January 2025, will contribute one million IG, enhancing water access in southern communities and increasing storage at the Grays Hill Reservoir, which serves western and southwestern areas.

In the short term, APUA has formed a strategic committee to develop an improved distribution strategy. This new plan, set to be implemented by January 16, 2025, aims to ensure equitable water delivery to the areas most affected by current challenges.

The utility company advises customers to store at least 60 gallons of potable water per person to cover household needs for three days in case of further disruptions. Consumers are also urged to adopt water conservation and recycling measures to preserve this critical resource.

APUA has issued a reminder that community standpipes are for residential water consumption only. Misuse, such as attaching hoses or tampering with standpipes, poses public health risks and is considered an offence.