The Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines says it will implement both daytime and nighttime water rationing across a large section of St. Vincent as drought conditions continue to worsen.
The utility said water distribution will continue in the Grenadines, which do not have rivers or streams and rely on alternative water supply arrangements.
In a statement, CWSA said large sections of southern St. Vincent, where most of the population resides, will be without water for a six-hour period. This measure is in addition to existing nighttime rationing, with supply already being disrupted from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time, due to reduced river flow affecting the Dalaway Water System.
Over the weekend, CWSA used a local ferry to transport water to communities in the Southern Grenadines, where cisterns have reportedly run dry. The authority has been urging consumers since mid-January to activate household water storage plans.
The company previously noted that information from the local Met Office indicated the island received about 50 per cent less rainfall during the 2025 rainy season compared to previous years.
It reported that the country received just 687.1 mm of rain during the 2025 wet season, compared to 1,552 mm in 2025 and 1,455 mm in 2020.
“With surface and ground water aquifers not fully replenished during the 2025 Rainy Season, it is forecast that the island will be facing the upcoming Dry Season with limited water available, compared to previous years,” the CWSA said.
The situation is particularly critical for communities supplied by the Montreal, Dalaway and Mamoon water systems, which the authority says are typically the first and most severely affected during periods of low rainfall.
In an earlier advisory, the Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) forecast short-term drought conditions for St. Vincent and the Grenadines up to March, and a long-term drought lasting through May.
CWSA warned it may be forced to adjust normal operating protocols, including extending rationing periods and implementing stricter water conservation measures.
“The rationing of water may start earlier and for longer periods of time, as well as the implementation of stringent water conservation practices,” the company said.
The authority said both the Mamoon and Montreal systems remain at Level Red, while Dalaway is at Level Yellow. Montreal rationing has increased to twice daily.
Under CWSA’s system, Level Red indicates a water system at risk, requiring strict conservation measures, including the suspension of non-essential uses such as car washing and power washing. Level Yellow signals consumers should prepare for possible storage needs, while Level Orange requires immediate activation of water storage measures and reduction of nonessential use.
In its latest update, CWSA said ongoing monitoring of weather patterns, local climate stations, river flow data, and reports from CariCOF confirm drought conditions are expected to persist until the end of May 2026. The organisation added that CariCOF has officially placed the country under a drought watch.
“As a result, the Dalaway, Montreal, and Mamoon water sources are under significant stress, with reduced river flows due to decreased rainfall in the upper watershed. This has led to a noticeable shortfall in water supply,” the statement said.
It added that domestic and commercial customers in areas including the Vermont Valley to Calliaqua, as well as the Marriaqua Valley and surrounding communities, are already experiencing intermittent disruptions.
“These disruptions will continue until conditions improve,” the CWSA said.
