Water Zones & Development - Tomorrow
SEE ALLIn our last blog, we looked at what the current water zones are across the island, and the restrictions in development as outlined in the Barbados Physical Development Plan (Amended) 2003. The Draft 2017 Physical Development Plan, outlines an update to the Groundwater Protection Act to reflect a refined approach to defining Groundwater Protection Areas and the delineation of new zones of protection. This new zoning approach divides the island into five areas, Zone A to Zone E shown in Figure 1 below:
The policies related to each proposed zone will determine the level of infrastructure services, and waste disposal methods required and provide a framework for development control i.e. building. These are summarized in Table 1 below.
|
Zone |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
|
Description |
Pathogen Exclusion Groundwater Protection Areas |
Pathogen Management Groundwater Protection Areas
|
Chemical Management Groundwater Protection Areas |
Recharge Contributing Groundwater Protection Areas
|
Non-Recharge Contributing Groundwater Protection Areas |
|
Purpose |
To provide the Barbados Water Authority with a buffer zone immediately surrounding the well where they would have complete control in preventing any potential contamination. |
Management and regulation of pathogenic or chemical sources that can pose a threat to the public water supply. |
Management and regulation of chemicals that can pose a threat to the public water supply |
This is a groundwater aquifer recharge contributing area, where wastewater disposal will be regulated in a manner similar to the remainder of the limestone areas of the island. |
Refers to areas outside of a protection zone and outside of the groundwater recharge area. This zone comprises areas where impermeable rock occurs at the surface and is generally confined to the Scotland District and Panhandle. |
|
Restricted land uses and activities |
All land uses are prohibited in Zone A, with the exception of any land uses associated with the treatment and distribution of water
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|
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For lands that will no longer be required to comply with the restrictions of former Groundwater Protection Areas 1-5, the priority for any change in land use will be food and agriculture, natural restoration/reforestation or the provision of affordable housing, providing these uses are in compliance with the new Zone provisions. So, if you haven’t yet bought land to build your dream home, be sure you research your favoured locations and understand what you can and cannot build!
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