The impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters on water consumption across sectors: case studies of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity to the already disruptive risk profiles of these countries. Understanding how these hazards, both individually and cumulatively, impact sectors, particularly essential sectors such as the water sector, is crucial to addressing current and future risks that the islands are likely to face. This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on water consumption while considering additional natural hazards which occurred concurrently in two Caribbean countries: Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. The assessment indicated a marked influence on consumption levels in various sectors consistent with the imposed public health restrictions in the respective countries. In the case of Barbados, monthly consumption decreased during the pandemic across all categories when compared to the pre-COVID period, except for residential consumption, which increased by approximately 9%. For Trinidad and Tobago, the consumption data assessed showed a decrease in average monthly water consumption across all categories ranging from 3 to 13%. Although available data did not permit conclusive analysis, we have discerned some general trends, identified gaps, and provided recommendations.

Water resource sustainability: Challenges, opportunities and research gaps in the English-speaking Caribbean Small Island Developing States

“…Except for Trinidad and Tobago, all other SIDS in Table 3 are charged by volumetric consumption. The reasons for low water tariffs can be traced to Trinidad and Tobago's high level of state paternalism due to oil wealth, public protests over rate increases, and a failure to implement metering due to a weak political will [1,38,40]. Research has shown that if tariffs are set too low, there may be a lack of funds to invest in the maintenance and expansion of water infrastructure and it is difficult to manage water demand.…”

“…Robust data management tools to enable the preparation of accurate information for modelling and projections and to support planning and development aimed at improving water resource sustainability have been suggested [1]. To achieve this the institutional capacity for data generation must be strengthened.…”

“…The world is facing a climate crisis and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the frontlines of an existential threat as they battle with rising sea levels, frequently occurring extreme weather events, and warming temperatures. SIDS are especially vulnerable, considering the nature of their economies, ecosystems, and inherent geophysical features [1]. Available literature has documented the frequency and intensity of hydro-climatic disasters in recent years and has noted widespread destruction such events have caused.…”