Compared to other countries in the region, Dominica has abundance of rivers and water. There are about 365 rivers and streams emanating from 35 watershed areas into which the island is divided. The ten largest rivers are the Indian, Picard, Layou, Roseau, Blenheim, Hampstead, Clyde, Pagua, Castle Bruce and Rosalie rivers. Most rivers originate on the slopes of the central mountain ranges, while a few originate as outcrops of underground springs along low-lying valleys. Other Caribbean countries consider Dominica as an alternative source of water supply in times of need. As a result, the government has positioned itself to be an exporter of bulk water (IWCAM, 2011). There is a large sewerage system servicing the capital, Roseau, with a minimal treatment; and two small sewerage systems which service the areas of Cane Field and Jimmit, with no treatment. In most areas, the dominant method of wastewater disposal is by septic tank (IWCAM, 2011). Intake tanks and very small dams have been constructed with a total capacity estimated at 2 008 m3 . About 44 of such structures exist; the largest one has a capacity of 271 m3 .

WATER USE In 2004, the total water withdrawal is estimated at 16.6 million m3 and in 2010 at around 20 million m3 (Table 3). Total municipal water withdrawal is estimated at around 19 million m3 in 2010 (Figure 2). Most water withdrawn is surface water and the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) produces approximately 45 million l/day (16.4 million m3 /year) of drinking water from about 47 independent river intakes. The largest of the water systems has a supply capacity of over 16.3 million l/day, for the capital Roseau and its environs. This system serves a population of about 25 000 people. Two other systems have a supply capacity of about 5.3 million l/day, whilst the other systems are much smaller serving communities with populations usually less than 1000. These supply systems are generally more than adequate to satisfy the demands of the communities. However, at some periods during the dry season, intermittent shortages can be experienced in a few of the systems.

– Dominica. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)