Bajans urged to conserve water

Residents are being reminded to continue to conserve water amid drought concerns.

In its monthly newsletter for August and issued this week, the Barbados Meteorological Service (BMS) said that the likely impact of weather conditions could mean for the September to February period a slow recharge in reservoir/aquifers and uncomfortable temperatures with recurring periods of heat stress, among other things.

“Given the current rainfall outlooks and the current state of available water resources, as reported by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), the alert level remains elevated to hydrological drought warning until October and hydrological drought watch thereafter. Members of the public are urged to continue to conserve water, regardless of the drought alert level and to monitor the BWA, the BMS and other local agencies for updates,” the newsletter stated.

The BMS recommended employing irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting techniques during dry spells and adhering to the advice from all relevant agencies. In addition, it pointed out that air quality may be impacted by periodic intrusions of Saharan dust which limited the rainfall.

“Given that below average rainfall was recorded until the end of August, and with drier than normal conditions expected to persist, the concerns for drought remain elevated.

“The alert level for agriculture remains at be aware for the possibility of an agricultural drought for the reminder of 2026, particularly across the southern and eastern sections of the island. An agricultural drought watch may be issued from the start of the upcoming dry season,” the newsletter states.

The BMS monthly climate outlook newsletter also pointed out that the conditions ahead could mean that no more than usual intense rainfall events could lead to flash flooding and there could be increased demand for cooling and hydration along with periods of heat stress in farm animals and pets.

It explained that moderate to strong El Nino conditions were present across the Pacific Ocean with a prediction of a transition to very strong El Nino expected by the end of February, and such conditions tended to favour a decrease in rainfall and higher temperatures in Barbados as well as result in fewer Atlantic hurricanes.

Late last month when questioned about counters to any possible drought the BWA said it was looking to put measures in place should concerns materialised.

Director of engineering Charles Leslie said then: “That rainfall is suppressed because of that El Nino. We’re not going to see any effects of it immediately because we are drawing on the reserves from previous years that are in the aquifers.

“Our dry season starts next year in January and they’re saying because of this suppressed precipitation, we’re going to possibly experience problems in that dry season because you’re going to see increase demands, the temperatures will increase and then more persons, because you won’t be getting the unseasonal rains throughout the dry season, will be drawing water from the public water supply system.” ( AC)