Ongoing limitations with the existing water supply system in Bermuda could result in water demands not being met this year.

That's according to the Ministry of Works, Engineering and Housing, which this week embarks on what it considers the most important initiatives to date ? an awareness campaign to highlight the importance of water conservation and proper tank maintenance.

In a Press release, Minister Ashfield DeVent said the aim of the initiative was to inform and educate residents of helpful tips that will encourage them to take measures that will minimise the impact of possible water shortages this summer.

"The summer months are now upon us, and along with the hot, dry weather comes the concern of water usage. If Bermuda's unique water system is to continue to meet the needs of Bermudians, it is critical that our good water conservation habits are maintained and improved," he said.

Mr. De Vent said awareness efforts will involve a series of speaking engagements to various community groups, a household brochure outlining useful conservation tips as well as a special school tour of selected water treatment facilities to educate young people about Bermuda's public water system process.

He added that the awareness campaign would address two specific concerns.

"First, information related to water supply system elements that relate to conservation and proper maintenance and safe operation of private storage and piping systems. Second, addressing summer low rainfall conditions and the measures likely to be taken by the Ministry's Water Section to guard against the impact," he said.

Mr. DeVent added that these were all community minded efforts aimed at getting people to think water conservation and thus reducing the impact of possible water shortages in the summer months.

He said the Government's efforts to expand the public water system, including construction of a new Seawater Reverse Osmosis Treatment Plant in 2007 and upgrading of storage and distribution piping continues to progress.

"This is one of the more important initiatives being carried out within this Ministry, and as such, we are committed to assisting in this effort, because we realise that it is in the best interest for the future sustainability of our Island," he said.