Why a Sewerage System

The launch of the Barbados South Coast Sewerage Project has come about as a direct consequence of the island's development and the efforts of successive governments to provide its people and visitors with the highest level of hygienic and health standards available. Over the last thirty to forty years, a tremendous increase in the number of properties along the south coast of Barbados prompted studies to be carried out along the island's coast lines. As early as 1984, these studies concluded that nearly all of the wastewater (sewage, kitchen and laundry wastewater) from these properties is discharged either into surface drains or absorption pits/ soakaways or suckwells. Being so close to the sea, the water table beneath these properties is in many cases less than two metres deep, so many disposal systems do not function efficiently. There is also little time for the harmful chemicals and bacteria in the wastewater to degrade before this water reaches the sea.

Threat To Marine Environment

This sewage which finds its way into the sea presents serious problems for the marine environment. Nutrients and suspended solids found in raw sewage lead to a rapid growth of algae which in turn blocks sunlight from reaching the corals. This leads to a smothering of the coral thereby prohibiting its growth. This eventually leads to the death of coral reefs. The dead reefs and decrease in sea grass beds eventually lead to beach erosion and the loss of near shore fisheries. Studies conducted along the South Coast area have discovered a rapid deterioration of coral reefs and sea grass beds coupled with beach erosion. As a result of this, there has been a significant decrease of fisheries in the near shore coastal waters which has caused concern among fishermen and pleasure divers.

Threat To Public Health

Government has recognised the importance of stemming the flow of pollutants into the marine environment. To this end the constructing of a sewerage system along the South Coast will ensure the collection, treatment and safe discharge of all waste water generated in the catchment area which stretches from Bay Street in St. Michael to Enterprise in Oistins.