The Water and Sewerage Department continues improvement efforts in the replacement of defective metres, with digital metres across the Territory.

Director Mrs. Perline Scatliffe-Leonard said work began in July 2020 to replace faulty mechanical metres that have been in the field for 20 plus years and have surpassed their useful life.

Mrs. Scatliffe-Leonard said, “Approximately seventy-nine percent (79%) of the old metres were creating scenarios of deficit for the department’s operational expenses. Those are being replaced with new digital metres.  As a result, fixed monthly billing will be discontinued and customers will be billed monthly according to their actual water usage.” 

The Director added, “What we do not want is a system that will eventually be unsustainable for the department, and Government on a whole.  We also want to ensure that customers are billed for their true usage.  We would like to thank the public, for the many pictures, videos and calls, where leaks and bursts were visible.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer has said the ministry has been working tirelessly to improve the Territory’s water storage and distribution capacity.

“The improvement works include reducing pressure with Pressure Reducing Valves, leak detection exercises, leak repairs with resilient materials, installation of air-release valves, and metres,” Honourable Rymer said during the Seventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly in April.

For additional queries or concerns on accounts, customers may telephone the department at 468-5834 or email  at wsd@gov.vg. Persons should expect a response within 24-hours during the regular work week.  Concerns received after 2:00 p.m. on a Friday will be addressed by 12:00 noon the next work day Monday.

The following are some water conservation tips from the Water and Sewerage Department:

1. If you can, install a Low-Flow shower head to conserve on the water being used for this purpose.
2. If your toilet is constantly running, try replacing the float. 
3. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.
4. For farmers and home gardeners, the best time to water crops and flowers is in the morning before the sun rises. This would ensure that the water gets to the roots before evaporation can occur. 
5. Perform general maintenance on your property by checking faucets, lines and water meter/s for leaks. 
6. If you observe that an area close to your meter is moist or wet, please call the department at 468-5901.