In 2024, the Guadeloupe Water Observatory published the seventh edition of its Key Figures on Water and Sanitation, presenting a comprehensive overview of the year 2022. This report highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges related to water management in a region facing climatic and structural constraints. Here’s a look back at the key developments and actions taken.
—
A Reorganized Governance Structure for Optimized Management
Since September 2021, water and wastewater management in Guadeloupe has been handled by two main entities: the Guadeloupe Joint Association for Water and Sanitation Management (SMGEAG) and the Marie-Galante Community of Communes (CCMG).
This reorganization has led to a more effective structuring of responsibilities, but the technical and financial challenges remain considerable, particularly in terms of network maintenance and leak management.
In 2022, several operators, including Karuker’ô, Eaux’Nodis and Saur Guadeloupe, have worked with local communities to ensure the supply of drinking water and the management of sanitation systems.
However, the transition to more efficient management is still hampered by aging infrastructure.
Storm Fiona: Infrastructure Under Strain
Tropical Storm Fiona, which struck Guadeloupe in September 2022, highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events. With record rainfall totals exceeding 500 mm in some areas, much of the infrastructure was damaged.
The report identifies 30 pipe breaks, 10 access roads destroyed and 6 water intakes severely affected. This damage has disrupted the drinking water supply, particularly in Capesterre-Belle-Eau and Guava, where strategic infrastructure has suffered heavy losses.
An alarming loss rate: 68 % of unused resources
In 2022, only 32 % water drawn for the’drinking water supply (DWS) was consumed. The average loss rate reached 68,3 %, a significant increase compared to 2021 (61,7 %).
The main causes identified include leaks in aging pipelines, faulty meters, and illegal connections. Nearly 90 %: Leaks originate from the connections, which are often found in users' homes.
Faced with this situation, the SMGEAG has launched action plans to improve asset management of the networks and strengthen repair operations.
Toward Sustainable Water Resource Management
To address the increase in water withdrawals and climate-related uncertainties, groundwater use is emerging as a viable solution.
In 2022, the SMGEAG launched a research project on new underground resources in Basse-Terre, aimed at strengthening the system's resilience. Five priority sites have been identified for drilling, with preparatory work scheduled to begin as early as 2024.
At the same time, the measures to rainwater harvesting are being encouraged through a dedicated call for proposals in 2024, with a budget of one million euros. These initiatives aim to diversify supply sources while reducing pressure on natural resources.
Water Conservation: Between Pricing and Unpaid Bills
The principle of « Water Pays for Water »remains central to the management of public services. However, a high rate of unpaid bills complicates the financing of maintenance and modernization projects.".
Local governments and operators must therefore balance the need to provide accessible services with budgetary constraints.
