Leaks, old pipes, roadworks, and the reality behind the tap in Antigua and Barbuda
For many residents across Antigua and Barbuda, few things are more frustrating than turning on a tap and finding little or no water.
And when repairs are announced, another question often follows: If the leak is fixed, why hasn’t the water returned yet?
During a recent conversation on Morning with Sly J, Bryan Nicholas, Manager of Transmission and Distribution at APUA’s Water Business Unit, gave listeners a closer look at what is happening behind the scenes and why restoring water service is often more complicated than simply turning a valve back on.
More Than 750 Fault Reports Every Month
One of the clearest indicators of the strain on the system is the number of reports APUA receives each month. According to information from APUA’s Corporate Relations, the Water Business Unit receives more than 750 reports of water-related faults monthly, ranging from service leaks to broken mains.
Each one requires assessment, dispatch, and repair, often while other urgent faults are unfolding elsewhere. Nicholas indicated that the Unit is now strengthening its response through a new fault management system and expanding crews to improve response times.
An Infrastructure Network Showing Its Age
Responding to a question from guest co-host Petra Williams about the age of the infrastructure, Nicholas was frank about the condition of parts of the network, especially in St John’s, which he said was installed before he was born. He indicated that older mains are more vulnerable to breaks, pressure issues, and repeated repairs.
Several major transmission lines are now due for replacement, and that work is ongoing as APUA continues a wider upgrade of the national system.
Why Water Does Not Return Instantly
One of the biggest frustrations customers raise is why water often takes hours to return after repairs are completed.
Nicholas explained that, unlike electricity, water does not return instantly.
Once a major line is shut down for repair, the water must first be cleared from the line. After repairs are completed, crews slowly recharge the system by rebuilding pressure before water can flow normally again.
That process takes time, which is why a repair may be finished but customers may still be waiting on supply.
Roadworks, Traffic and Public Safety
The work to improve the network is highly visible across the country, especially where pipelines are being installed or repaired along busy roadways.
Nicholas acknowledged the inconvenience to motorists but appealed for patience and caution around active work zones.
He noted that crews have had instances where motorists moved barriers and drove directly into active work areas, creating safety concerns for workers and the public alike.
APUA is urging drivers to slow down, obey barriers and follow directions from road crews while works are underway.
A New Technology with Less Digging Ahead
Nicholas also shared that APUA is preparing to introduce Horizontal Directional Drilling, a method that allows pipelines to be installed underground with minimal surface excavation. He shared that instead of digging long trenches across roadways, the technology drills beneath the surface and pulls the pipe through underground, leaving only entry and exit points exposed.
The result should mean less disruption to traffic, reduced impact on businesses, and faster installation in busy urban areas like St John’s.
Asking for Patience During the Upgrade
Throughout the interview, Nicholas returned to one message: “APUA understands the frustration being felt by customers.”
He concluded by reminding that the APUA Water Business Unit is actively working to improve the system through increased production, expanded crews, upgraded lines, and modern infrastructure.
For customers facing dry taps or delays, the APUA Waters Business Unit appeals for patience as upgrades continue.
The road may be slow right now, but the long-term goal remains clear: a stronger and more reliable water system for Antigua and Barbuda.