The impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters on water consumption across sectors: case studies of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity to the already disruptive risk profiles of these countries. Understanding how these hazards, both individually and cumulatively, impact sectors, particularly essential sectors such as the water sector, is crucial to addressing current and future risks that the islands are likely to face. This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on water consumption while considering additional natural hazards which occurred concurrently in two Caribbean countries: Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. The assessment indicated a marked influence on consumption levels in various sectors consistent with the imposed public health restrictions in the respective countries. In the case of Barbados, monthly consumption decreased during the pandemic across all categories when compared to the pre-COVID period, except for residential consumption, which increased by approximately 9%. For Trinidad and Tobago, the consumption data assessed showed a decrease in average monthly water consumption across all categories ranging from 3 to 13%. Although available data did not permit conclusive analysis, we have discerned some general trends, identified gaps, and provided recommendations.