The water storage tank near the water plant at Gallows Bay.
ST. EUSTATIUS--St. Eustatius Utility Company Stuco made it known to customers that it will continue to ration drinking water to avoid completely depleting its storage tank. Water will be available to the public daily between 5:00am and 8:00am and from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, until further notice.
The utility company is asking customers who have access to their distribution network to limit the pumping of water into cisterns, as this will prolong the rationing period. These customers are asked to think about other consumers who do not have access to the distribution line and must truck water during the dry season.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stuco Fred Cuvalay said the company cannot forbid anyone from pumping water into their cisterns.
“We are simply asking that if anyone does throw water into their cistern, to please limit the amount to two cubic metres per day. Please remember, if you do not throw any water into your cisterns, our water network will be able to sustain all our customers, even those that must truck water, and refrain us from rationing water,” Cuvalay said.
With this request the company is hopeful to mitigate the “likely” possibility of completely running out of the water. Cuvalay said Stuco is “gravely concerned” about the availability of water.
Stuco’s head of water distribution Rueben Lopes said that as they are monitoring the water tank they are uncertain how much longer the water rationing will continue for, or whether it will last the entire week or longer. Stuco had problems with the water storage and they do not know how much water was lost during that period. Stuco extended apologies for any inconvenience the water shortage may cause.
