With the unprecedented evaporation being seen in the reservoirs by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), with more to come due to climate change, citizens are finding it harder and more stressful to be able to function without water.
For those who are already struggling with water issues, they have already put measures in place to deal with an unsteady supply, but worry that further restrictions will be detrimental.
Journalist Melissa Wong-Jones said the water schedule in Arima was not consistent, especially since WASA had revised schedules earlier in the year.
“We are supposed to get water three days a week from 6am-6pm but so far we only get water once a week since the revised schedule and it only comes when we are asleep. If the water pressure is not strong enough our tanks will not fill, so we regularly call for water truck service from WASA to fill the two 400 gallon tanks.
“We have three barrels, which are really to collect rainwater as a backup and it has been tough with no rain. It is usually a lifesaver during the rainy season.”
She said her family had implemented several conservation measures to stretch their water supply.
“We have stopped using the shower and use a tall bucket (which is a permanent fixture in the bathroom now) to take quick baths and ensure we don't use more water than needed from the water tank. My seven-year-old son has learnt to use a cup when brushing his teeth and washing his face instead of keeping the faucet running.
“Our tank water is very precious so we try to keep it for cooking and the bathroom. When washing the dishes we don't keep the faucet running, only turning it on when it's time to rinse.
She said a major hurdle is the washing of clothes, especially work and school clothes.
“By mid-week to weekend most times the water will be running low in the tanks and to ensure we keep some water running inside the house, we turn to the barrel water to full the washing machine instead. Then it's Monday all over again and we hope water comes to full the tanks and barrels.
“Since we can’t use hoses during the dry season, my dad uses the barrel water to tend to his plants because he has a small garden with fruit trees and flowers.
“Only today I was telling Damian we should buy another large tank because of the water scarcity issue. Not having a reliable water supply adds to my anxiety a lot.”
For elderly people, the strain is also exacerbated as they have to contend with health issues. Reporter Josette Deonanan, whose parents live in Princes Town, said they have to be careful of falling when collecting water.
“Water goes three-five days a week. My dad works but my mom doesn’t due to ill-health. Because no one's home, she has to go to the back of the house and carry water up the back stairs and there's been several instances where she's almost fallen down while carrying it.
“My parents have one singular tank that fills when water comes. When the tank runs low, my dad has to drive to a standpipe in the area, fill containers and bring it back. My granddad w
