About 500,000 persons in North, Central and South Trinidad will be impacted by the upcoming shutdown of the Caroni Water Treatment Plant.

At a media conference today, WASA’s Director of Operations, Shaira Ali, said the Plant accounts for about 31% of the nation’s total water production.

The temporary shutdown will be carried out from noon on Friday August 9th to noon on Sunday August 11th 2024, to facilitate a number of essential upgrades and critical maintenance work.

During this time, persons will experience temporary service interruption or reduced water supply pressure during the shutdown period.

Ms Ali assures however that a number of measures will be in place, including an increase in production at other facilities.

WASA’s water trucking capacity will also be expanded, and temporary water supply schedules will  be published.

The planned work includes the installation of several meters, as well as regional maintenance and repair activities – Ms Ali says they will all be done simultaneously and she expects completion within the time-frame of the shutdown.

She also explained why a shutdown was necessary.

Also speaking at the briefing was Director of Corporate Services, Alisha Romano, who explained that the meters being installed will help WASA determine if there are leaks in its transmission lines.

Ms Romano adds that this is “the start” of what WASA intends to roll out throughout the country.