Regulatory framework
This policy is the latest attempt to finalize a national water resources management policy with an integrated approach. The stated policies cover more than fresh water and their previous attempts did not take into account the impact of global climate change on Belize's water resources.
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This National Adaptation Strategy (ENA) and Action Plan aims to address the current and projected impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector in Belize. This strategy was prepared with specific adaptation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change and climate variability on Belizean agriculture. For this, it was necessary to carry out an evaluation of the agricultural sector that included its vulnerability and adaptation to climate variability and climate change; a review of relevant policies, legislation, institutions, organizations and resources directly or indirectly related to agriculture, taking into account the views, concerns and recommendations of key stakeholders; and the financial, institutional, human and other resource needs to implement the proposed strategic options.
This law concerns the management and conservation of Belize's water resources. Conservation measures also aim to prevent pollution of water resources.
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This Law applies to the control, conservation and appropriate uses of water resources, but before the Authority exercises its functions in relation to such activities, it will consult with the companies authorized by the Public Utilities Commission under the Industry Law of Water, Chap. 222. 222.
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An Act to establish new provisions with respect to the supply and control of water and sewage services in Belize; to promote the conservation and proper use of water resources; to provide for the issuance of licenses to water supply companies; to provide for the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Water and Sewer Authority to the company or companies authorized by the Public Utilities Commission; to repeal the Water and Sewerage Act, Chapter 185 of the Laws of Belize; and to provide for matters related or incidental thereto.
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The Law provides for the creation of an Authority, which will be called the Water and Sewerage Authority, as a legal entity.
Institutional Framework
Improve the lives of consumers by providing cost-effective and sustainable high-quality water and wastewater services in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, fostering employee excellence and providing a fair return to our shareholders.
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Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit: Has the responsibility of ensuring that rural communities have access to good quality drinking water and continues to drill new water sources for the villages.
Climate Change and Water Management Unit: Develop a climate-resilient agricultural sector in Belize by delivering climate change adaptation and mitigation activities using sustainable practices and promoting climate-smart agricultural technologies Irrigation and Drainage Unit: Created with in order to promote drainage and irrigation technology among producers to improve crop water management, address the effects of climate change and increase overall crop productivity.
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Official website not available
Belize is very rich in surface and groundwater resources. However, total water resources cannot be assessed at present because existing data are limited, particularly with regard to groundwater availability. Surface water resources appear to be abundant throughout the country, except on the Vaca Plateau, where streams disappear into porous limestone. Northern rivers show meandering streams, while the south has smaller watersheds and flows more rapidly into the sea. The sum of quantified river discharges is 15 km3/year, occupying 59% of the territory. Water is mainly used for industrial processes. The total water abstraction of 95 million m3/year is insignificant compared to surface water resources. Per capita domestic water consumption is 240 to 280 liters per day in urban areas and 160 liters per day in rural areas. This is roughly equivalent to the amount consumed in industrialized countries. Of the total water used in urban areas, 70% is surface water.
Belize
UNICEF
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Groundwater is also used as a source of drinking water in the towns of Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo and Toledo districts and in some rural areas of Toledo and Cayo.The amount of water used for irrigation is estimated to be less than 1% of the total water withdrawal. Water quality in urban areas is good and is constantly monitored by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). In rural areas, however, water quality, mainly in the Toledo, Stann Creek and Cayo districts, is not satisfactory: full water purification is carried out only in the systems connected to the urban WASA systems (about 30%).