Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 10, 2024 (SKNIS): The water quality of the newly commissioned well in Cayon is exceptional and meets all guidelines for drinking water quality and safety established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The well was officially commissioned during a ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the site. Head of the Water Services Department (WSD) and Water Engineer, Cromwell Williams, addressed persons attending the ceremony and shared the findings of various tests performed during the development of the well by the Bedrock Exploration and Developing Technologies St. Kitts Ltd.
“The quality of this water is exceptionally good. It is not just okay, it is exceptionally good,” said Mr. Williams. “It has been tested and retested and found to meet WHO standards.”
Unique qualities shared about the well is that the water is extracted from 575 feet below the ground and is the deepest well in St. Kitts. At that depth, testing has shown that there are no harmful bacteria present, and the average temperature of the water is 27 degrees Celsius. The pH level is 7.4, very close to the pure water value of pH 7. Manganese, magnesium, arsenic, calcium, and sodium are within the acceptable limits used by the international community.
“I repeat and emphasise that when it comes to water quality, we have nothing to hide, and we will not compromise. Water is a food that you must feel is safe to ingest,” Mr. Williams said, noting that regular testing is carried out on all sources of water in St. Kitts. “The public can have full confidence in the safety and quality of our water supplies, and as I always say I drink my water straight from the tap without reservation.”
The ceremony was attended by Cabinet members, senior government officials, students from the Cayon Primary and Cayon High School and residents of the community.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and Minister responsible for water, the Honourable Konris Maynard. The two ministers joined by others in attendance toasted the successful development of the well, which brings much-needed relief to residents in the area and surrounding communities who have struggled with water shortages for decades.
Honourable Dr. Drew and Honourable Maynard repeated that toast during Friday’s sitting of the National Assembly.
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