APUA Stops Taking Water From Potworks Reservoir Due to Drought

Potworks Reservoir, the island’s largest surface water catchment, supports the Delaps Water Treatment Facility which distributes water primarily to communities across the south eastern sections of the island.

For several months, the reservoir consistently contributed an average daily production of approximately 1.2 million imperial gallons of water to the national distribution network. However, continued low rainfall and ongoing drought conditions have impacted reservoir levels to the point where extraction can no longer continue safely and sustainably.

The Water Business Unit notes that additional reverse osmosis facilities commissioned over the past year have significantly strengthened the national water supply system and are helping to offset the loss of production from the Potworks/Delaps system.

Despite the reduction in surface water production, the Water Business Unit continues to maintain an average daily water production of approximately 8.5 million imperial gallons through its reverse osmosis and groundwater systems. As the country’s population, tourism sector, housing developments, and overall economic activity continue to grow, national water demand has also steadily increased.

Customers previously supplied from the Potworks/Delaps system will now be served through the Crabbs Reverse Osmosis Plant and the Barnacle Point Reverse Osmosis Facility as the Water Business Unit continues to stabilize and balance distribution across the network. During this transition period, some customers may experience temporary service interruptions, reduced pressure, or longer intervals between service periods, particularly in elevated areas.

Affected communities may include: American Road, All Saints Road, Belmont, Bethesda, Biggins, Buckleys, Folly Hill, Horsford Hill, John Hughes, Liberta, Ottos New Town, Patterson, Radio Range, St. Clair Heights, Swetes, Wallings, and parts of Falmouth.

The Water Business Unit is also finalizing new transmission lines in the Herbert’s area to further support water transmission from the Crabbs and Barnacle Point facilities. Additionally, plans remain on schedule for the commissioning of a new 3.2 million imperial gallon Reverse Osmosis Facility later this year, while the Hydrology Team continues exploring additional groundwater sources through well development initiatives.

APUA understands that the reliability of potable water is essential to daily life and wishes to assure the public that multiple projects aimed at strengthening and improving overall water operations remain actively underway.

Customers are encouraged to continue practicing water conservation and maintaining adequate water storage where possible.

APUA sincerely appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as teams continue working to manage the ongoing effects of the drought and maintain service reliability across the island.

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