Leaks, resource shortages, and water scarcity: Faced with the serious water availability crisis in Martinique, authorities are taking steps to reduce excessive consumption and combat leaks in the water system. Despite the rainy season, the situation does not seem to be improving and could even get worse… This affects everyone, and we all need to do our part!
Critical Situation
Since early June, Martinique has entered the rainy season, yet the territory’s hydrological situation does not appear to be improving. «Meeting weekly as part of the drought committee, the Interagency Mission for Water and Nature (MISEN) notes persistent strain on river flows, which is impacting our drinking water supply systems, crop irrigation, and the natural environment,» the prefecture emphasized in a press release.
Despite the rainfall in June, «cumulative rainfall» is reported to be «on average only 20 to 60 % of seasonal norms.» It is therefore important to understand that, despite the measures put in place, the water situation in Martinique remains a cause for concern.
Will the situation improve?
The region is currently experiencing a water shortage, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months. « Forecasts for July, August, and September call for drier-than-normal conditions, particularly due to the El Niño phenomenon. The regular occurrence of sandstorms is also expected to limit rainfall and reduce the expected total precipitation in the region,» the prefecture explained in a press release.
The prefect calls for restraint
Through an executive order, the prefect of Martinique has placed the island on a drought alert and reiterated the importance of complying with the required measures. Specifically, everyone is asked to notify the appropriate authorities if a water leak is detected and to follow these rules:
- Watering lawns, ornamental gardens, public and private green spaces, as well as sports and recreational areas, is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
- Washing vehicles and boats is prohibited outside of professional washing areas equipped with water-efficient high-pressure systems, with the exception of vehicles subject to regulatory health, food safety, or technical requirements, such as concrete mixers;
- Draining and refilling private swimming pools is prohibited for pools larger than 1 m³, except for topping off as necessary for water treatment and the initial filling if construction began before the first restrictions were imposed;
- Emptying drinking water tanks is prohibited unless justified by health reasons;
- The use of open-loop systems to supply public fountains is prohibited, to the extent that this is technically feasible.
- Water towers are used for agricultural water withdrawals. Certain industrial facilities subject to regulations governing classified facilities for environmental protection (ICPE) are subject to withdrawal restrictions.
Therefore, we are calling on everyone to act responsibly and do their part to conserve water resources. It is the actions of every resident in the territory that will enable us to overcome this serious and critical situation facing Martinique.
