WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES SEMI-AIRBORNE DRONE SURVEY TO ENHANCE WATER SECURITY IN SAINT KITTS

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, May 22, 2025 (SKNIS) — In a groundbreaking initiative to secure sustainable water resources, the Water Services Department commenced a semi-airborne drone survey across multiple communities in Saint Kitts. The survey launched on Thursday, May 22, 2025, is part of the government’s strategic investment in strengthening national water security and identifying new sources of groundwater.

The survey uses a state-of-the-art method that combines aerial drone technology with ground-based electrodes to collect geophysical data. The goal is to locate viable aquifers and pinpoint precise sites for future groundwater well development.

Dr. Roland Hoag, President of Bear Rock Consulting Inc., the firm overseeing the technical execution, outlined the significance of the exercise.

“The purpose of the drone and this programme is to identify aquifers and specifically to identify drill sites where we can develop additional groundwater for Saint Kitts,” he said. “The process is that the drone lifts off, goes in parallel flight lines about 50 meters apart and about 50 meters above the ground, covering up to 1,500 meters in each direction until we get six or eight flight lines. That data will then be downloaded and processed, and the result of that processing is the delineation of what we call resistivity within the ground.”

Simultaneously, ground-based electrodes (metal rods) are installed to carry electrical current into the soil, further enriching the geophysical dataset. The areas around these installations will be clearly marked with safety signage and warning tape. The public is kindly asked not to enter or disturb these marked zones, as high-voltage currents are involved in the process.

Residents may also observe low-flying drones carrying geophysical instruments. These operations are a routine and safe part of the survey and are not a cause for concern.

Minister responsible for Water, the Honourable Konris Maynard, expressed his enthusiasm about the impact of this initiative, stating, “We are excited that this project will lead to the development of new wells, especially in areas outside of Basseterre.”

“We’re doing a major development of a desalination plant in Basseterre—a two-million gallons per day plant. We found the Cayon well and that’s producing a lot of water for us for that region, but there are other areas that need development anywhere from outside of Basseterre,” Minister Maynard said.

The honourable minister also highlighted the historic scale of this investment. He noted that, “This represents the most significant investment in the water sector in the history of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and I want to thank the Cabinet, led by the prime minister, for the tremendous support in getting us to this point.”

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