A leaking reservoir at Hannah Hill on Tortola. There are at least 5 leaking reservoirs on Tortola. Photo: Team of Reporters

Currently, the Government of the Day loses thousands of gallons of water because of leaking government reservoirs that continue to account for loss of revenue. Photo: Team of Reporters

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) said his Ministry is currently preparing tender documents for issuance to upgrade and enhance the leak-prone reservoirs. Photo: GIS/File

While there is a long list of reasons for the lack of water to residents, including old pipes, lack of proper distribution, and lack of pumps, the Water and Sewerage Department needs leadership and staff.

Additionally, the Communications and Works Minister Hon Kye M. Rymner (R5) has also spoken about the lack of funds.

However, there are also other factors at play.

5 leaking reservoirs

Currently, the Government of the Day loses thousands of gallons of water because of leaking government reservoirs that continue to account for lost revenue. It is our understanding that there are some five leaking reservoirs on Tortola alone and water is lost daily unabated.

Leaking reservoirs have been contributing to the undermining of roads, private and public properties and even the land the reservoirs are located on.

There are leaking reservoirs in Sea Cows Bay-Hannah Hill, Sabbath Hill, Fort Hill- (the two reservoirs located there) and Balsam Ghut on the main island of Tortola. Because of the leakage, many areas are without water since the reservoirs are most often unable to fill up to the required capacity to provide more distribution.

It is unclear if the Government’s plans to fix the water woes, including fixing existing leaking reservoirs or their replacements.

A visit by our Team of Reporters confirmed, for example, a leaking reservoir at Hannah Hill where it appears to be leaking from the base, sending water down on the main road on a daily basis.

Leaking reservoirs to be upgraded- Hon Rymer

Honourable Rymer, in an invited comment, told our News Centre that the Water and Sewerage Department, along with the Ministry of Communications and Works, is "cognizant of the prevalent leaks" at several reservoirs throughout Tortola.

"These leaks have impacted our ability to reliably distribute water throughout Tortola," Hon Rymer confirmed.

The Works Minister said the leaking reservoirs are among the older reservoirs and are subject to upgrade.

"As a result, the Ministry is currently preparing tender documents for issuance to upgrade and enhance the leak-prone reservoirs. In the interim, we will be pursuing short-term remedies to mitigate against persistent leaks," Hon Rymer disclosed.

It is unclear the situation on the Sister Islands; however, both Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda have been having recent water challenges.

Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Water and Sewerage Department, Mr Brian Davis did not respond to our request for comment.