Guadeloupe: water crisis turns into nightmare

Guadeloupe, particularly Grande-Terre and the communes of Gosier and Sainte-Anne, has been navigating an extremely difficult period since early September. Mains water is no longer being supplied reliably, and residents are facing severe shortages. This is the result of the disastrous state of the water networks, with the leakage rate estimated at a staggering 70%.

Some people have been forced to spend large sums just to access drinking water and survive this major crisis. This situation inevitably has a significant impact on tourism. Conditions are deplorable, and it appears that Paris only became aware of the situation late. While politicians are attempting to implement measures, a project to end this crisis permanently could cost hundreds of millions of euros.

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An Outdated Network and Lack of Maintenance

A thorough investigation reveals that the crisis in Guadeloupe stems from an outdated distribution network and a chronic lack of maintenance. The pipelines, some of which are several decades old, are prone to numerous leaks and catastrophic failures.

According to data from the Guadeloupe Water and Sanitation Management Joint Syndicate (SMGEAG), the renewal rate is only 0.5% per year—far below international recommendations. Modernising this infrastructure is estimated to cost several hundred million euros, a sum local authorities are struggling to mobilise.

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Repeated Contamination Worsens the Situation

The quality of the water that does reach the taps is regularly compromised. Analyses conducted by health services highlight the presence of pollutants from agricultural, industrial and domestic sources. To avoid this, you can purchase a gravity filter combined with a charcoal filter that reduces their presence by 99%. It can even be used with river water.

Furthermore, leaks in the sewage network facilitate the infiltration of wastewater into groundwater and rivers, creating a dangerous cycle of contamination.

Water Quality Standards vs Observed Contamination:

Contaminant	Safety Standard	Avg. Observed Level
Nitrates	50 mg/L	65 mg/L
Pesticides	0.1 µg/L	0.3 µg/L
Coliform Bacteria	0 CFU/100mL	10 CFU/100mL

These repeated contaminations, combined with frequent water cuts, severely affect the daily lives of the island's 390,000 residents. Frustration is high, with many demanding emergency measures and massive investments to guarantee the human right to clean water.

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Impact on the Population: A Daily Struggle

Between 60% and 70% of residents face regular service interruptions. To manage the shortage, authorities have implemented a rotation system, but many neighbourhoods are left without supply for weeks at a time.

Daily Life and Hygiene

• Hygiene Compromised: Washing and basic sanitisation are extremely difficult. Residents report feeling "humiliated" by the lack of basic facilities.
• Limited Access: Families are forced to buy expensive bottled water, with some spending upwards of €150 per week.
• Psychological Toll: The constant stress and uncertainty have led to widespread reports of frustration and depression.

One resident, Agnès, described being without water for 18 days: "You feel dirty. I had to pay €2,300 for a system that recovers just 12 litres of water from humidity."

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The Crisis in Tourism and Politics

The economic backbone of the island is also under threat. Tourists have voiced complaints, with some regular visitors stating this will be their last stay. Occupancy rates have plummeted from 85% to 40% during the peak of the crisis.

Political Response

Public pressure, amplified by social media movements like #balancetonsiaeag, has forced a response. In September 2024, an action plan was revealed involving:

• Renovation of distribution networks and production plants.
• An exceptional budget allocated for emergency works.
• Real-time online tools to inform users of planned rotations and cuts.

Despite these measures, many residents remain sceptical. The scale of the challenge—renewing thousands of miles of ageing pipelines—is perceived as far greater than the current investment levels can address.

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