Project Overview
OVERVIEW
Barbados is amongst the most water scarce countries in the world, and this is compounded by the effects of climate change. The decreasing amount and increasingly skewed pattern of precipitation and rising evapotranspiration due to higher temperatures will set the stage for increased drought, which will further decrease underground recharge rates and increase salinization of aquifers, which provide 95% of the island’s potable water supply. The overall implication suggests that sustainable aquifer yields could decrease by around 50% by 2050, which is a concern as the level of groundwater abstraction in Barbados is already between 85% to100% of the safe yield.
The project supports Barbados’ adaptation to the water scarcity conditions that will be amplified by climate change; reduces carbon footprint and GHGs emissions; and is a practical demonstration for climate resilient water and wastewater management, treated wastewater reuse and aquifer recharge through the enhancement of wastewater treatment to the tertiary level.
The project - financed jointly by the Green Climate Fund, Government of Barbados and the CDF - has approximately 140,000 direct beneficiaries and indirectly benefits the entire population. The scope includes:
• upgrade of the Bridgetown Sewage Treatment Plant (BSTP) to a tertiary treatment system; and the installation of wastewater treatment systems at two locations to harness reclaimed water.
• installation of renewable energy PV systems, automated controls, such as variable frequency drives, and a sludge dewatering system to achieve a low-emission pathway.
• upgrade of capacities and capabilities, primarily at the Barbados Water Authority, to manage monitor and operate the upgraded BSTP.
• strengthening the related legislative framework; and increasing stakeholder awareness and ownership of Barbados’ approach to climate resilient water and wastewater management.
