Desalcott Maintenance Delay Strains WASA Supply, Discolours Water in Several Communities

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said WASA is flushing affected lines and says discoloured water in parts of north, central and south Trinidad is temporary and safe for domestic use. He blamed the problem on a scheduled Desalcott maintenance shutdown, sediment in the network, and recent rain stirring debris, while noting ongoing complaints from several communities.

Residents in Santa Cruz, Mt Hope and St James reported discoloured water and supply problems after WASA adjusted its system during maintenance at Desalcott’s Point Lisas plant. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said mechanical issues delayed the plant’s full restart until Thursday, adding pressure to an already strained water system with low dam levels and reduced production.

WASA says flushing is under way in affected areas after temporary water discolouration following Desalcott’s scheduled maintenance shutdown, which ended Sunday noon. The utility says the water remains safe for domestic use and advises customers to run taps for a few minutes to clear internal plumbing.

Residents in Santa Cruz, Mt Hope and St James have reported discoloured water and missed supply days as WASA flushes lines after a scheduled Desalcott shutdown. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said mechanical problems delayed the Point Lisas plant’s restart until Thursday, adding pressure to an already strained system with low dam levels and reduced production.

Desalcott is expected to resume operations by Thursday after unexpected mechanical delays during its annual maintenance shutdown, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said, offering some relief as water shortages continue. He said all major reservoirs are below 70% capacity, with El Niño and low dam levels straining supply, and noted that WASA has added more trucks while government looks to boost output from desalination and wells.