11 December 2019
Over the past week there has been a slight decrease in stored water on the Island, with volumes currently at 38%. At this time of year we would expect stored water levels to be above 85% which would then provide sufficient reserves for the Summer consumption.
Despite some recent rainfall, the surface water runoff has not increased which means that very little or no surface water is entering the Island’s reservoirs. Additionally, daily water consumption remains above the rate required to sustain a safe level of stored water on the Island.
Isolated showers are forecast for the coming days, but this will not be enough to make much difference to reservoir levels. At least two weeks of continuous meaningful rainfall is needed to make a positive difference.
It might appear that the reservoirs aren’t suffering – for instance people will see at Scott’s Mill that the reservoir is above 55% full most of the time. However, the public should note that this is due to water being pumped daily from Hutt’s Gate and Chubb’s Spring. The majority of the water in the Red Hill Zone is in the Scott’s Mill reservoir. Despite Connect’s pumping systems working well, it is essential that we all continue to reduce our water consumption.
The public is reminded that we are currently under an Island-wide hosepipe ban. If you see anyone using water irresponsibly or notice a burst pipe or leak, then please inform Connect immediately.
Click here for water saving tips!
Every drop counts, every action counts – save water now to be safe later.
#StHelena #WaterShortage #EveryDropCounts
St Helena Resilience Forum
11 December 2019