The Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has explained that the intermittent water shortages experienced by residents in Tema and Accra East regions were due to unstable power supply to the Kpong Water Treatment Plant and the influx of aquatic weeds.

In a statement, the GWL said the recent fluctuations in electricity supply had affected its operations, leading to reduced water production and inconsistent distribution.

It explained that any disruption in electricity directly impacts its ability to deliver water efficiently, as pumping systems and booster stations rely entirely on consistent power to function.

“Ghana Water Ltd wishes to emphasise that water production and distribution operations are heavily dependent on electricity.

The treatment process, pumping systems, transmission facilities and booster stations all require a stable and continuous power supply to function efficiently. 

“Consequently, any interruption or fluctuation in power supply directly affects our ability to produce and distribute water to customers,” the statement said.

Beyond the power challenges, the company also said the increased presence of aquatic weeds at the intake point of the Kpong facility was a contributing factor to the supply difficulties.

It also added that the recent heavy rains in the Akosombo area worsened the situation, leading to unusually large volumes of aquatic weeds flowing into the intake system, which was causing frequent clogging of screens and limiting the amount of raw water that can be abstracted for treatment.

“This has resulted in operational constraints that further reduce output levels at the treatment plant,” the statement said.

Measures taken

To address the situation, GWL said its technical teams were working round the clock to remove the weeds, maintain equipment and sustain operations at the plant.

The company added that it was also engaging key stakeholders in the power and energy sector, including the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Grid Company and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), to ensure the restoration and stabilisation of electricity supply to the facility.

The GWL acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the situation and apologised to customers for the disruption.

“We sincerely apologise to our cherished customers for the inconvenience caused.

We appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation during this period,” the statement said.

The company assured the public that all necessary measures were being taken to restore the normal water supply as quickly as possible.

It further indicated that updates would be provided as efforts to resolve the challenges progress.