In a groundbreaking move, Grenada has joined Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, and The Bahamas in establishing a Non-Revenue Water Unit under the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), reinforcing the island’s commitment to sustainable water management.
The official launch, held on February 28 at NAWASA’s Carenage compound, marks a major step toward reducing water losses, improving efficiency, and ensuring a more reliable water supply for Grenada.
Over the past decade, several regional utilities have established NRW units and continue to place great emphasis on their development. This initiative aligns with the Water Declaration of Port of Spain, endorsed and signed in October 2024. The declaration underscores the critical importance of sustainable water and wastewater management in the Caribbean, reaffirming commitments to international and regional agreements such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the CARICOM Regional Framework for Climate Resilience. It highlights the urgent need for regional collaboration to address water security challenges, protect public health, and safeguard ecosystems.
Key priorities outlined in the declaration include disaster risk financing, improved access to climate financing for water and wastewater projects, and reducing non-revenue water. It calls for strengthening regional cooperation, fostering knowledge-sharing among countries, and advancing the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The declaration also emphasizes the need for improved wastewater treatment and robust monitoring mechanisms to track progress.
Currently, non-revenue water accounts for 26% of NAWASA’s total water production. By implementing cutting-edge leak detection technology and optimizing distribution systems, NAWASA aims to enhance water security for present and future generations. Acting General Manager Mr. Terrence Smith emphasized the significance of this initiative “Reducing non-revenue water directly increases the amount of water available to our customers and enhances supply reliability. This initiative is a testament to NAWASA’s commitment to sustainable water management and Grenada’s development goals.”
The establishment of the NRW Unit is a collaborative effort between NAWASA, Green Climate Fund (GCF), the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI), and the Government of Grenada under the G-CREWS project. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Ms. Marion Geiss, Head of Project at GIZ, commended NAWASA’s proactive approach “The decision to establish a dedicated NRW Unit is commendable and a significant step toward improving Grenada’s water management practices. This unit will not only address leaks but also strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our water systems.”
Mr. Philip Alexander, Chairman of NAWASA’s Board of Directors, underscored the importance of measuring and managing water losses “If you can measure it, you can manage it. The ability to quantify our non-revenue water means we can now address it effectively. This unit will play a crucial role in ensuring a more sustainable and efficient water supply for Grenada.”
The launch of the NRW Unit reaffirms NAWASA’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. By reducing water losses, the Authority aims to enhance the reliability and resilience of the water supply across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. This commitment was reinforced by Mr. Alva Brown, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation, and Transportation “This launch is not just about reducing water losses; it’s about improving the quality of life for our citizens and securing the long-term sustainability of our water resources. It reflects the hard work, innovation, and collaboration of all involved.”
NAWASA’s NRW Unit comprises a team of GIS technicians, data analysts, and technical assistants. The unit is already operational and equipped with advanced tools, such as data loggers, to detect and address water losses efficiently. As NAWASA continues its journey toward sustainable water management, the NRW Unit will play a pivotal role in ensuring that every drop of water is valued and that customers receive the best possible service.
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