Residents of St Kitts could soon benefit from an expanded water supply after the government announced the discovery of a new groundwater source in Saddlers.

Minister responsible for Water Services Konris Maynard made the announcement in the National Assembly on July 30, saying preliminary investigations have confirmed the presence of water in the community.

Although optimistic about the discovery, the minister said more work is needed before the source can be brought into the island’s water system.

He explained that the aquifer will undergo detailed quality and integrity testing to determine whether it can provide a safe and sustainable supply over the long term.

“We will proceed with the same level of caution and due care so that we can have full and complete quality and integrity testing to ensure that this is a sustainable aquifer,” Maynard said.

The find is part of the government’s wider effort to improve water security across the island. Earlier hydrogeological surveys using drone technology identified about 17 locations with the potential to contain underground water reserves.

Maynard said exploration has already begun in Saddlers and will continue in other communities, including St Paul’s and Sandy Point.

The government is also investing in desalination, expanding water storage and upgrading the island’s distribution network as it works to build a more reliable water supply.

Maynard said every new water source and infrastructure improvement brings the country closer to that goal.

“Every new source strengthens our resilience, every upgraded pipe improves reliability, every reservoir increases national security,” he said.