Islanders are over-consuming water and not pulling their weight when it comes to conservation, Minister of Works and Engineering Ashfield DeVent said on Friday night.

Speaking during the motion to adjourn session, Mr. DeVent said the more water produced the more Islanders will continue to use.

"If we produce one million gallons a day, Bermudians will use one million a day," he said. "The more we produce the more people tend to use."

Mr. DeVent said water was a world issue with the United Nations highlighting the over consumption of water in countries throughout the world, particularly those with a limited land mass like Bermuda.

In 2007, he said the Department of Works and Engineering would have a reverse osmosis plant to turn undrinkable water into usable water in an effort to meet demand during the summer months when supply is traditionally very low.

However, despite Government plans to combat the shortage, the Opposition UBP said it had continued to fail to plan, as water shortage becomes an issue in July and August when the public is reminded to reduce their consumption.

Mr. DeVent said despite the reminder to conserve water, low amounts of rainfall in July and August have led to shortages which are enhanced by the fact that people are not taking simply steps to reduce the time they spend in the shower or checking their tank for leaks.

He also suggested more hotels allow guests the option not to have their towels washed every day in an effort to enhance conservation efforts.

Mr. Devent also said Government was also considering buying a private area to catch and store more water.

Opposition leader Grant Gibbons said the PLP Government has once again consistently failed to plan but not having the necessary technology to ensure there was a steady supply of water through a reverse osmosis or desalinisation plant.

"If the water usage has gone up in recent years why hasn't the Government put in a reverse osmosis plant, why can't the Minister plan for this?" questioned Dr. Gibbons. "He is playing lip service to the issue without putting plans of action into place, "

Water companies claim that last month was one of the driest Junes in 50 years, with just 0.64 inches of rain has fallen, according to the Bermuda Weather Service. Last year's total rainfall for the month was 2.37 inches while in 2003 5.03 inches fell during the month.

"We encourage members of the public to conserve water, to order before you run out, and to look and see if there are any leaks," said Mr. DeVent.