G-CREWS project continues its water storage campaign with new TV ad

Homeowners are once again being encouraged to invest in additional water storage systems to ensure continued access to water during periods of disruption.

This renewed appeal comes from the Climate-Resilient Water Sector (G-CREWS) project, which is reinforcing the importance of water storage through its latest television advertisement.

The newly launched advert features water ambassador and soca artist Nicole ‘Pinky’ Francis, urging citizens to purchase a water tank as a precautionary measure against water shortages that can impact daily household activities. Titled “Buy a Storage Tank,” the advertisement is part of G-CREWS’ ongoing awareness campaign. The advert can be viewed on the project’s YouTube page, Don’t Get Caught Without Water! Be Prepared with a Storage Tank  

Earlier this year, a billboard was erected in Baillies Bacolet, St David, posing the question: “Do you have enough water storage?” The billboard also highlighted various tank sizes available at hardware retail stores, emphasising the importance of selecting the right capacity based on household needs. Properly sized storage tanks can provide an additional 3 to 4 days of water supply in the event of natural disasters or disruptions to the public water system.

Homeowners can use these tanks to store either piped water or harvested rainwater. Rainwater harvesting, an age-old practice, involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use. It is a cost-effective, sustainable way to supplement traditional water supplies, particularly during droughts or periods of inconsistent rainfall.

With the dry season approaching, both the G-CREWS project and Nawasa are once again stressing the importance of having adequate water storage. During a recent appearance on GBN’s Beyond the Headlines, Head of the G-CREWS Project Marion Geiss highlighted the many benefits of individual water storage, particularly for rainwater harvesting. She emphasised the financial advantages, stating: “The benefits are clear — it can save on your water bill. Plus, you’ll have continued access to water. Just one rainfall can fill up your system.”

Nawasa’s Acting General Manager Terrence Smith who also appeared on the programme, described rainwater harvesting as a widely recognised climate change adaptation measure, particularly for small island states. “Put in a rainwater harvesting system, put in a couple of tanks, a small pump to pressurise your system; it is called augmentation. So you are augmenting the public water supply, in times of drought, problems with a treatment plant or some emergency, you will have increased resiliency to addressing these natural disasters,” Smith explained. The benefits of rainwater harvesting are significant. It increases water availability, reduces water bills, strengthens resilience to water scarcity, and enhances disaster preparedness.

As part of its commitment to strengthening Grenada’s water security, the G-CREWS project, in collaboration with Nawasa, met with hardware retailers in 2024 to discuss the availability of rainwater harvesting and storage components for households. As a result, many retailers signed a pledge to stock tanks and other essential storage components, ensuring greater accessibility for the general public.

Promoting individual rainwater harvesting aligns with a broader strategy to transform water management and usage in Grenada. By empowering communities to take proactive steps in water conservation, this initiative plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of climate change on water security.

G-CREWS