1. National Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change Bay Gardens Hotel Castries, Saint Lucia 20-22 May, 2009 Analysis of the Water Sector Presented by Shanta King

2. Relevance of Water Sector  Water is Life! Freshwater is a fragile, finite and vulnerable resource vital to human, economic and environmental sustainability and influences national prosperity and quality of life. Catalyst for Economic Development.  Water demand continues to change rapidly - extreme north due to high infra structural development and migration of people into areas in the north and other major centers of commercial activity in the south.  Water supply versus demand deficit island wide affected directly by rainfall distribution.  Potable water supply has been severely affected by pressures of increased demand as a result of socio -economic development, destruction of upper watersheds, increasing exploitation of the rivers and wetlands, and an inefficient, inadequate and aging water distribution network.  The ability of WASCO to meet the current demand for water, island wide is as a result of a combination of marginal river base flows experienced during the dry season and high turbidity during the rainy season.

3. Relevance of Water Sector  Climate Change Impacts on the Sector:  Changes in surface and groundwater systems  Changes in water quality  Increased flooding  Increased droughts  Changes in water temperature  Changes in water chemistry  Increased water erosion and sedimentation  Decreased freshwater availability due to saltwater intrusion  Anthropogenic activities currently affecting the quality of rivers & freshwater systems. These include: housing, agriculture, water abstraction, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, tourism, fishing, river sand mining, manufacturing, river bathing and picnicking, and river alteration.

4. Description of the Water Sector  Saint Lucia experiences a tropical marine climate with 2 seasons – Wet (June-November), Dry (December-May).  Water demand continues to change rapidly - extreme north due to high infra structural development and migration of people into areas in the north and other major centers of commercial activity in the south.  Water resources from surface sources in rivers, wetlands, streams and springs. 37 main sources of surface run-off & few groundwater sources. Integrated network of river intakes, treatment plants, transmission pipelines and distribution systems.  Four (4) major water supply systems in the country: North - Roseau Dam and Hill 20, South - Grace and Beausejour. Supply to the treatment plants through both gravity and pumped conveyance systems which treat the raw water in filtration plants and then disinfect.  Approx. 56,000 customers (residential & commercial)

5. Description of the Water Sector IMPACTS Climate Change Factor: Sea Level Rise  Sea level rise may precipitate the intrusion of salt water into fresh water lenses, particularly in low- lying coastal areas. Climate Change Factor: Tropical Storm Activity  Destruction and/or modification of existing aquatic ecosystems caused by the increased frequency and intensity of precipitation.  Soil erosion resulting from increased surface run off on exposed soils.  Siltation of river systems during periods of increased rainfall.

6. Description of the Water Sector IMPACTS Climate Change Factor: Precipitation Decreased precipitation:  Periods of low precipitation are likely to be accompanied by extended dry periods.  Increased frequency & Intensity of precipitation:  Destruction and/or modification of existing aquatic ecosystems.  Siltation of river systems.  Increased incidence of flooding.  The likelihood of cross contamination from leaching of pit latrines into flood plains increases during flooding. Climate Change Factor: Temperature  Possibility of excessive evapo-transpiration associated with the level of temperature increases of the high precipitation scenario.  Municipal demands are likely to increase as higher temperatures lead to increased water consumption.

7. Proposed Adaptation Options  Reductions in line losses and improvement of water supply infrastructure.  Restoration of riverbanks and wetlands  Water conservation (Rainwater harvesting, wastewater re-use, desalination)  Public awareness  Improved management of forest resources including private forests  Strengthen and sustain data collection systems  Development of a national water management plan

8. Proposed Adaptation Options GOSL Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Plan (2003) 1.Develop basis for sound decision making by developing of capacity to undertake research into relevant climate change processes. 2.Undertake a comprehensive inventory of all water resources including surface and ground water. 3.Promote strengthening of national water management agencies to ensure the sound management of the island’s water resources. 4.Develop a long-term national water management plan which addresses Climate Change concerns including catchment & watershed protection & saltwater intrusion. 5.Undertake reforestation & other measures to increase the resilience of watersheds and catchments to maximize water availability & to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation. 6.Assess & address needs for water storage & distribution infrastructure to ensure water availability during drought periods. 7.Promote initiatives to identify & exploit non-traditional water sources such as groundwater.

9. Proposed approach to assess investment and financial flows: 1.Development and application of appropriate models to clearly articulate anticipated climate change scenarios and the effects on the sector. Use of the PRECIS model and a compatible global model. (SNC) 2.Situation analysis using a basic scenario with or without climate change. 3.Assessment of costs anticipated with the existing challenges without the application of climate change scenarios. 4.Assessment of costs associated with climate change. (Other Costs EC$1.7 billion for 30yrs, US$61.4 million short to medium term) 5.Comparison of implementation timeline of normal development objectives in the sector. Determination of extent to which climate change impacts would have an effect in advance of the normal development commitments. 6.Establishment of a system for allocating investments and financial flows to climate change adaptation. (SNC) Recommendations for conducting assessment of I&FF

10. Thank You for your attention 9