In a groundbreaking move to combat water scarcity and build climate resilience, new legislation has introduced strict measures to regulate the safe use of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes.
Officials stressed the reused water is not for human consumption but is intended for specific non-potable uses, such as irrigation, washing roads and buildings, and aquifer recharge.
At a press briefing on Friday to discuss the Water Reuse Act, which was passed in Parliament in 2023, Chief Environmental Health Officer Ronald Chapman said the law prioritises public health while encouraging sustainable water management across the island.
“This is reused water, this is not potable water coming directly from the Barbados Water Authority,” he said, further emphasising that the treated water will not be fed directly into the nation’s water mains.
“Therefore, it’s necessary that we manage that water correctly and ensure that risk to the public is reduced.”
The law introduces a licensing framework for facilities handling treated wastewater and imposes heavy penalties for violations. It also sets guidelines for the treatment, distribution and restrictions on the use of treated wastewater.
Under the law, individuals caught distributing treated wastewater without proper licensing could face fines of up to $200 000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years under the new regulations.
In addition, those who obstruct inspectors performing their duties can face fines of up to $50 000 or five years in prison.
Chapman added that the penalties and licensing process ensure rigorous oversight, protecting public health and safety.
“Fines are such that the public interest is sought after in a very vigorous way,” he said.
To ensure compliance with safety standards, a water reuse committee, operating under the Ministry of Health, oversees the licensing process.
Chapman said: “For persons who are in the process of bringing their plants [onboard], they make an application to the Water Reuse Committee through the Ministry of Health, and the application fee for the treatment plant is $50. Once they have been granted the permit, the permit is $200, and if there is a necessity for inspection, that inspection fee is $150.”
Five treatment plants have already been licensed, with more expected to follow as inspections continue.
Officials noted that some plants were operational before the law’s passage and are now being brought up to standard.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George stressed that the legislation is critical for the responsible and sustainable management of water resources.
He said: “The Water Reuse Act 2023 is expected to assist in the reduction in the local demand and use of potable water for irrigation, the washing down of roads, buildings, and the replenishment of aquifers by farmers, hoteliers, and businesspeople who will be licensed to provide reused water in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.”
He noted that the law aligns with the country’s broader efforts to build resilience against climate change and reduce reliance on potable water for non-essential purposes.
Dr George said the legislation demonstrates the government’s commitment to building resilience against climate change and taking the appropriate steps to adapt to the climate crisis.
Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC), Fredrick Innis, gave the initiative a thumbs up, describing the Water Reuse Act as a “game changer” that will “improve the capacity of the farming community”.
