The importance of integrated water and wastewater master planning in developing climate resilience: the example of Saint Lucia

Climate variability and change coupled with human development are putting increasing pressure on the water supply and wastewater systems on which Caribbean Island societies and economies depend. These challenges highlight the need for proactive planning rather than reactive management. Long-term sustainability and resilience can only be achieved addressing both water and wastewater systems in an integrated manner.
This paper provides a case study of a Climate Resilient Master Plan developed for the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. Saint Lucia (WASCO), covering both water supply and wastewater systems for the island of Saint Lucia. The Master Plan is a 25-year strategy outlining a pathway to 2050, with the key objective of developing solutions for effective water supply and wastewater management that meet the needs of the community, protection of the environment, and improving efficiency.
The analysis developed a strategy to enhance asset maintenance, improve resilience, and reduce non-revenue water. A set of proposed options for future infrastructure development was identified and each option was comprehensively assessed based on investment requirements, environmental costs, and sustainability performance. A programme was also developed, looking at a suggested timeline to deliver the proposed options.
This paper provides insights both from the Master Plan as well as the process for its development. These are highly relevant for water sector stakeholders in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing similar challenges across the region.