The Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA) was established by the promulgation of the Water and Sewerage Act No. 14 of 2005, it was formalized and became functional three years later towards the end of 2008. The Ministry of Agriculture vehemently did all within its powers to enable the birth of the Agency at a time when the water resources of our country needs to be managed efficiently, due to the impending water stress and possible crisis. The sustainable management of the of the country’s water resources is the primary objective and mandate of the Agency. This could only be achieved through an integrated approach in which all stake holders participate in the activities and decision making of water resources management.

Mandate

The Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA) seeks to enable the sustainability of economic growth, human development and the environment by promoting and facilitating the efficient and effective use and management of water resources in Saint Lucia. 

To this end, the WRMA will be strengthening its framework with respect to the monitoring of water quality and quantity, promote and coordinate research on water issues as they surface, sustain and provide assessments of weather, climate and hydrological data, ensure the accuracy and integrity of primary data on the state of water resources, including maintenance of the recording instruments and finally evaluate the total economic value of these resources as well as our watersheds.

 Functions of WRMA 

(a)          Main function: 

·         To manage the water resources of Saint Lucia.

(b)          Specific functions:

• Considering applications for abstraction licenses and permits for use of water in control areas and permits for waste discharge.

• Promoting the sustainability of water resources.

• Undertaking water resources assessment and planning including surveying, monitoring, research and development.

• Developing watershed management plans and facilitating regulation accordingly.

• Undertaking the preparation of water master plans and allocation schemes.

• Advising the Minister in relation to water control areas and waste control areas.

• Advising the Minister in relation to water related emergencies.

 Main Activities 

 •         Hydrologic data collection, compilation, and analysis. 

 •         Water resources investigation, assessment, and planning. 

 •         Water resources allocation; and environmental monitoring and impact assessment. 

 •         Water resources allocation through licensing. 

 •         Assessment of water resources for agricultural and housing developments. 

 •         Selection of waste discharge sites. 

 •         Hydrological forecasting. 

Structure (To be finalized)