A water crisis has engulfed the Island, forcing residents to adopt a 'Blitz spirit' as they wait several days for delivery.

Up to 300 people are currently experiencing delays to refill their tanks, with many having to wash at neighbours' homes out of desperation. The frustration is also spilling over to the truckers, as they are losing out on business through lack of supply.

The recent spell of warm weather has led to many homes running dry.

Government appealed to the public to adopt conservation measures yesterday, saying that since the start of December, Bermuda has had less than half its normal rainfall.

Russ Ford, vice president of the Bermuda Water Truckers' Association (BWTA), said: "It is a crisis, we definitely have a water crisis.

"Usually at this time of year we receive more than five inches, but right now the rainfall is not even an inch."

Government has advised residents to avoid cleaning cars, using dishwashers or taking baths until the shortage is over.

A spokesman said: "The Ministry of Works and Engineering wishes to advise the public that there is a need to conserve water at this time of low rainfall.

"Since the beginning of December last year, we have had less than half of the normal rainfall.

"This has resulted in the gradual emptying of water storage tanks throughout the Island and an increasing demand on the piped water supply system.

"The demand for trucked water is also extremely high. The water supply systems on the Island are not able to keep pace with such a long-term high demand and shortages have resulted.

"It is important to conserve as much water as possible. Conservation will also ensure that the limited water can be distributed fairly across the Island and provided to those most in need."

Mr. Ford said: "Because of demand, some of the plants have shut down and are not operating at all. So this is vexing truckers and customers.

"This is about Government's inability to provide sufficient amounts of water on a regular basis.

"The problems with water in Bermuda have gone on for a decade now. The Government plants are old and beleaguered and in need of an upgrade.

"We need more investment into Government outlets, and a long-term plan which takes the needs of customers into account."

There are approximately 45 water trucks on the Island.

"The truckers obtain 25 percent of their water from private sources and holding tanks, and 75 percent from Government reverse osmosis and desalination plants, and the water lens, which has extraction limits imposed by the Environmental Authority.

Mr. Ford, president of Bermuda Water Services Ltd., said: "As we have no rain, demand is outstripping supply by four to one, and we can't catch up.

"Usually this is our slowest part of the year but at the moment, people are having to wait four to five days for water. Some have been so desperate they've been pooling resources and going around to someone else's house to have a bath.

"People are very concerned, but the BWTA would like to reassure them that every effort is being made to deliver water in a timely manner. Water is an essential commodity and everyone needs it to survive. We are asking our customers to be patient and to exercise conservation.

"There are truckers out there who are also struggling as they are losing income as they can't get the water to their customers."

The BWTA met with Derrick Burgess, Minister of Works and Engineering, on Tuesday to discuss the shortage and it was also resolved to hold quarterly meetings to discuss water supply issues and truckers' concerns.

"This is a fine start in the right direction, and we feel Government is acting on this in the right way," said Mr. Ford.

Mr. Burgess said: "We look forward to the cooperation of the public as we meet the challenges posed by the low rainfall."

He added: "Government is proceeding with the construction of a 500,000 gallons per day reverse osmosis plant that will assist greatly in meeting the Island's water needs well into the future."

Completion of the $10 million Tynes Bay Seawater Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant is expected in the summer.

Government is urging the public to adopt the following conservation measures:

· Do not order more water than is necessary.

· Minimise the number of times you flush the toilet.

· Check and repair leaking faucets, toilets and water appliances.

· Prevent water from overflowing or running after use.

· Minimise use of washing machines and dishwashers.

· Wash full laundry loads or set the washer to appropriate load size.

· Take quick showers, not full baths.

· Refrain from washing cars.

· Use well water for toilet flushing.

· Carefully control the flow of piped water into your tank to avoid overfilling.