Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698942644453.pdf (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
Our Fresh Water Resources Where does our water come from?

Why is clean water important?

Water Services Department Outline • TOPIC #1: Where does our water come from?

–The water cycle –Surface vs.

Groundwater Outline • TOPIC #2: Importance of clean water –Causes and effects of water pollution –Water treatment Where does our water come from?

Topic #1: The Water Cycle Groundwater vs.


Surface water Link between land and water • The land and water and CLOSELY linked especially on our SMALL ISLANDS • What happens on the land impacts our coastal and ground water!

– What kinds of land use do you think would impact our beaches and coast line?
– Erosion and agricultural use of pesticides and fertilizers – Improper disposal of sewage – Industrial outfalls St. Kitts - Groundwater • Groundwater represents about 65-70% of our water supply • Network of 29 shallow wells • Supply approximately 4 MGD (2 MGD from the Basseterre Valley Aquifer) • Depth to aquifers – 2 m near the coast (20 m to groundwater/saltwater interface) – Up to 70 m further inland • Coastal aquifers are crucial and need protection St. Kitts - Groundwater St. Kitts - Groundwater St. Kitts – Surface Water • Surface water (i.e.
springs ) account for about 2 MGD • Springs are fed by rain • Concrete intakes are constructed to capture the water and direct via pipeline into the system • All water is stored in reservoirs before distribution • Total storage capacity is 7 MG St. Kitts – Surface Water Importance of clean water Sources of water pollution Sources of water pollution Impacts of water pollution • Pollution of water sources makes water non-potable (undrinkable) – Needs to be treated, this is expensive • Impacts on coastal areas and wildlife – Coral reefs – Fish and other marine life • Impact on agriculture – Irrigation water is very important • Impact on recreational activities Water pollutants • Microorganisms (germs) can live in the water – From animals and humans – Causes diarrhoea and other diseases • Particles (dirt) – Soil from land and roads • Chemicals – From fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides – Oil and grit from roads Water Treatment Process Water treatment processes • Water is treated to remove particles, bacteria and contaminants via: – Sedimentation: Let the particles settle out of the water – Filtration: Sand filters work to remove any leftover particles – Disinfection: Kills microorganisms by adding chlorine – 1 MGD are treated at the La Guerite Treatment Plant La Guerite Treatment Plant La Guerite Treatment Plant Chlorinator at wellhead Chlorinator at wellhead Thank you!
Questions?