WASA addresses discoloured tap water reports in Trinidad

Residents in various parts of Trinidad, including north, central, and south regions, have reported receiving discoloured tap water described as brown, black, or containing sediment and unusual odors. Diego Martin Mayor Akeliah Glasgow-Warner challenged the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) regarding the safety of the water, questioning whether officials would use the supply for drinking or bathing.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath addressed the issue in Parliament, stating that the discolouration is temporary. He explained that the problem resulted from scheduled annual maintenance at the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Desalcott). During the maintenance, adjustments to the water transmission system caused sediment in the lines to be disturbed once normal pressure was restored.

WASA has commenced flushing operations in the affected communities and maintains that the water remains safe for domestic use. The Authority advised customers to run their taps for several minutes to flush their internal plumbing systems.