APUA is redesigning sections of Antigua’s water network to reduce frequent pipe ruptures across several communities.

Public Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas shared the update during Pointe FM’s Taking Stock programme on Tuesday night.

Nicholas said many water problems stem from aging distribution pipes. He explained that older community lines carry water pressure beyond their intended limits.

“A transmission line carries much higher volumes of water,” Nicholas explained. He added that transmission systems also operate at much higher pressure levels.

According to the minister, household distribution systems usually need about 70 PSI. However, transmission systems often operate between 120 and 160 PSI.

As a result, older community pipes frequently burst under the extra pressure.

Nicholas compared the issue to stress on the human circulatory system. He said excessive pressure causes repeated failures within the network.

He identified Buckley’s as one of the clearest examples of the problem. Nicholas said APUA repaired Buckley’s line almost weekly in the past.

The area originally used a distribution network. However, the line carried transmission-level water for years.

Now, APUA has installed a separate transmission line along one side of the road. Additionally, pressure reducers now control water entering nearby communities.

Consequently, Nicholas said pipe breaks in the area have largely disappeared.

He also pointed to Fitch’s Creek as another problem area. According to Nicholas, the community experienced frequent pipe failures because it connected directly to a major transmission system.

However, APUA has started re-engineering work to improve pressure control there as well.

Meanwhile, the wider infrastructure project continues across Antigua. Nicholas said crews continue upgrading pipelines and improving system resilience island-wide.

He also praised APUA workers and management for their ongoing efforts. According to the minister, crews work extensively across communities to stay ahead of faults.

Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda plans several long-term water upgrades. These include expanded storage capacity, upgraded pipelines, and a computerized SCADA monitoring system.

Officials believe the SCADA system will improve control over water transmission and distribution nationwide.