The Israeli-based UTILIS Corporation is currently in Trinidad and Tobago with a view to determining how it can assist the country’s water utility, WASA, in achieving a reduction in the levels of non-revenue water caused by sub- surface leaks in its water distribution system.
The team is in the country to conduct workshops with WASA’s management and repair teams in Trinidad and in Tobago, and will conduct several site verification exercises during the course of this week on both islands. The exercise is being supported by the Inter – American Development Bank, the IDB.
It is estimated that 50 per cent of the water produced by the Utility is lost due to leaks, mainly caused by aging infrastructure. This is estimated at about 102 million imperial gallons per day.
UTILIS employs advanced algorithm satellite imagery of the pipeline network. The output is a map showing suspected areas of leaks. The utility will then have to conduct a field verification, by walking along the pipeline network with acoustic equipment, which will then help to pinpoint the exact site or sites of the leak, thereby affording for greater efficiency in effecting repairs to leaking pipelines.
While in the country, in the team will carry out several site verification exercises in Trinidad as well as in Tobago later this week, in collaboration with WASA’s technical teams.
In welcoming the team to the country, Public Utilities Minister Senator Robert Le Hunte noted the involvement of UTILIS and the IDB will greatly assist the Ministry in trying to get a handle on the leaks in the system so as to reduce the high levels of water loss currently being experienced.
Minister Le Hunte emphasized, that while locating the leaks is essential, it is not a panacea for all the ills plaguing the Utility, as there are several factors which contribute to the lack of water in some parts of the country. He added, the identification and repair of leaks must work in tandem with increased production, increased public awareness and conservation.
Conservation he said was particularly critical as the country faces an acute dry season. He urges citizens to be mindful about their consumption patterns during this period.
Minister Le Hunte said while the Government is working assiduously to fix the problems plaguing WASA, it does not absolve citizens from doing their part to conserve water.