WASA launches "swimming pool" probe

The Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has ordered an immediate investigation into a Guardian front-page story showing a WASA truck pumping drinking water into the swimming pool of a private residence in Westmoorings.

Read the GUARDIAN story: Water for swimming pool during severe T&T drought

In a release Friday WASA’s general manager, corporate communications, Ellen Lewis, called the matter "very disturbing".

She said WAS views the matter was being viewed “with the seriousness it deserves” adding that if the inquiry determines that WASA's policies and restriction measures were breached, "appropriate disciplinary action will be taken".

The Guardian report showed the WASA truck pumping water into the pool located at Columbus Circle, Westmoorings. It said the photo was taken from a neighbouring high-rise apartment.

The paper said the incident occurred just three days after WASA announced that the country's water reserve is at one-third of what they should be.

The country is experiencing a severe drought and WASA placed strict restrictions on water usage on February 2. These included the ban on the use of hoses, sprinklers, water fountains and power washers.

Previous media reports showed sprinklers in use at the Prime Minister's official resident in breach of the regulations. A contractor was blamed for that and was fired.

Read the story: Contractor fired for wasting water at PM's residence