Bermuda?s water lens has reached a critical low during the worst drought in over 50 years, the Minister of Works and Engineering said yesterday.

People should not be buying water to fill their swimming pools while other homes have no water to drink, he added.

In a Press release sent to Minister Ashfield DeVent said Works and Engineering is closely monitoring the system to prevent brackish (salt) water from seeping through.

?(W)e recognise that as the dry spell continues, a growing percentage of demand will be from people who rely on trucked water,? Mr. Devent said. ?However, we have a responsibility to protect the underground water lens. The underground water lens capacity is restricted through a water-taking permit from the Ministry of the Environment, and the Government is producing as much water as the facilities can treat.?

He added that while Works and Engineering, Bermuda Water Works and other private water producing entities are doing their best to keep up with demand, it is extremely important for the public to do its part by curtailing the amount of water being consumed.

?On a daily basis, the Ministry along with the other private entities, are collectively producing approximately three million gallons of water per day for public consumption.

?In recent days, we have been made aware of numerous incidents where residents are requesting water, when they are not in dire need. In such circumstances, we are encouraging residents to exercise good common sense and allow those who are in need of water to be given first priority. As an example, individuals who are in need of tank water should take priority over individuals who want water for their pools.?

Minister DeVent continued: ?We can only go so far in asking residents to adhere to the conservation methods that we have outlined. But until we receive the much needed rain that we require, it is hoped that residents will adopt these methods put forth in order to minimise the impact of water shortages during the summer months.?

He said with the high demand for water, Government staff must manage the water system to fairly distribute the water to customers on the piped system and to the other Bermudians who rely on trucked water, which is mostly Government water.

This distribution resulted in restricted hours for truckers and alternating shutdown of service areas for piped customers.

?As such we understand that residents are being affected and at this time, on behalf of the Ministry, I want to encourage their continued patience,? Mr. DeVent said.