25 September 2019
Despite St Helena’s water consumption levels on 20 and 21 September being less than 1000 cubic metres – the consumption rate required to sustain a safe level of stored water on the Island – during the past week, consumption rates have increased by around 6.2%. This rate cannot continue if we are to maintain our water supply.
Recent rainfall has not been enough to drastically increase reservoir levels. The ground is still dry which means that the majority of rain water is being absorbed by the ground leaving little surface water to enter the reservoirs. At least two weeks of continuous rainfall is needed to reach safe stored water levels. With unpredicted weather patterns and no significant rainfall forecast, it is therefore very important that we keep our water consumption to essential use only.
The raw water catchment at Osbornes in St Paul’s remains completely dry and there has not been any surface runoff in this area since March 2019. This water catchment was one of the main sources of surface water for the Red Hill Treatment Plant.
Connect Saint Helena (CSH) continues to pump water from Chubb’s Spring and Hutt’s Gate to Red Hill to replenish stocks in this area.
Remember, 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 CSH immediately.
Every drop counts, every action counts – save water now to be safe later
#StHelena #WaterShortage #EveryDropCounts
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St Helena Resilience Forum
25 September 2019