Desal shutdown from today

The Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA) is urging the public to monitor its social media channels for updates on the annual shutdown of the Point Lisas Desalination Plant, which begins today.

Last week, the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Desalcott) informed WASA of the planned maintenance shutdown, scheduled from Monday, 18 August to Sunday, 24 August 2025.

The Point Lisas plant supplies 40 million gallons of water daily to WASA, serving the Point Lisas Industrial Estate and augmenting supply to parts of Central and South Trinidad.

Affected areas include Caroni, St. Helena, Charlieville, Chaguanas, Cunupia, Carapichaima, Couva, Claxton Bay, Marabella, Gasparillo, San Fernando, Cocoyea, Union Hall, La Romaine, Woodland, Palmiste, Phillipine, Rambert Village, South Oropouche, Fyzabad, Avocat, Siparia, Penal, San Francique, Rousillac, Aripero, and La Brea.

WASA said it will redirect supply from the Caroni and Navet Water Treatment Plants, implement temporary supply schedules, and maximise storage at critical service reservoirs ahead of the shutdown. The schedules will be published on Facebook, Instagram, X, and WASA’s WhatsApp channel.

As of Friday, the Hollis Reservoir was at 100%, Navet at 99%, and Arena at 86.17%. The utility also plans increased water trucking capacity, prioritising health institutions, homes for the aged, and other special needs organisations.

WASA advised customers to store water in advance and reduce consumption during the shutdown. Limited truck-borne water supply will be available upon request, with priority for healthcare and special needs facilities.

Following discussions with WASA and the Ministry of Public Utilities, Desalcott agreed to conduct maintenance this week instead of at varied times in September, October, or November, as in previous years.

When contacted yesterday, WASA said it had no additional advisories beyond its official release.