10 Reasons for joining the Adopt A River Programme
Since 1962, improper sewage treatment, oil pollution, domestic effluent, agricultural runoff, quarrying and other industrial effluents have been identified as the major sources of water pollution in Trinidad and Tobago.
More recently, work done on water quality, habitat impairment and biodiversity in rivers illustrates that overall local rivers are in a poor state and need urgent attention.
Most of Trinidad and Tobago’s potable water supply (60%) comes from surface water sources such as rivers and streams.
Total water demand is expected to almost double between 1997 to 2025.
Domestic water demand is expected to double while industrial demand is expected to triple within the next 25 years.
In 2010, the estimated water availability for the country was 1477 m3/yr, which is a decrease of 1000 m3/yr from 1998 (2500 m3/yr).
Deforestation from housing, agriculture, quarrying and road-laying has increased the incidence of siltation of rivers and severe flooding.
Compensation costs, due to flooding, paid out to affected citizens have also increased from $580,000(TTD) in 1993 to almost $40,000,000(TTD) in 2010.
Siltation has been identified as a major pollutant to the Caroni Water Treatment Plant. This has increased the cost of potable water production. WASA’s overall cost for treatment and production of water has increased from $170 million (TTD) in 2000 to $549 million (TTD) in 2011.
Climate change predictions indicate that by 2099, Trinidad and Tobago will become hotter and drier (less rain). The worst case scenario estimates for global warming have been surpassed and as such, climatic changes may be accelerated globally.