A programme for Promoting Rainwater Harvesting in the Caribbean

Caribbean Rainwater Harvesting Programme4.3.3. Component 3: Legislative and Policy Formulation4.3.3.1. ObjectivesTo promote integration of RWH within national IWRM plans through policy andlegislative reformSuccess in sustained implementation of a national RWH programme is contingent on existenceof an integrated water resources management (IWRM) plan. Few countries in the Caribbeanregion have developed IWRM plans, which are at the core as to why management of waterresources has been a fragmented, poorly coordinated process. RWH falls within the realm ofwater conservation and is recognized as a key strategic element of any water resourcemanagement plan.Legislative and policy reform should realize a process of harmonization of water resourcesmanagement which includes RWH considerations across sectors within the context of an IWRMplan. The IWRM plan should speak to all elements of management instruments in terms ofoptimizing supply and managing demand and creating the enabling environment andinstitutional frameworks (GWP, 2001; USAID, 2005). The national IWRM development processmust be championed by the relevant government agencies with mandates for water resourcesmanagement and environmental management. The ministries with responsibility for healthand sanitation, and the water utilities should play key technical support roles. As notedpreviously the IWCAM project will lend technical support to the IWRM development processacross the Caribbean region.To create an enabling environment to foster investment in RWHThe degree of investment in RWH in a country depends on the water scarcity situation andavailability of water augmentation options. In critically water stressed islands (Bahamas,Leeward and Virgin Islands), legislative instruments have been passed that mandate allhouseholds and business enterprises to construct with adequate storage capacity. Howeverthe emerging trend that is being driven primarily by development of the hospitality sector isincreased investment in desalination technologies. The need for reliable water supplies toservice the tourism sector makes sole reliance on rainwater and traditional groundwaterreserves unfeasible. With the increase in service supply using desalinated water not only to thecommercial sector but to households, investment in RWH in water-scarce countries such as theBahamas is falling, mirroring similar trends as in most of the Caribbean.RWH still has a very valid role to play in the Caribbean water management realm.Regardless of water supply source, as water utilities expand their service coverage the impactamong the communities and business they serve is to increase reliance on the potable supply,relegating RWH to secondary importance. The risk is that policy-making within stateregulatory nodes or and water utilities may loose sight of the benefit RWH has in the contextof building water security during adverse circumstances. Disruption to electricity generationafter storms directly affects water distribution and catastrophic land movements triggered byrainfall or seismic activity can severely damage infrastructure for extended periods.Furthermore rainwater can ease the demand on potable supplies for non-potable uses ofwater, particularly in the case of relatively more expensive water. A further complication inpromotion of RWH is the cost to include capacity for required storage and ancillary works.The national assessment carried out in Grenada was instructive in highlighting that most27