Government needs to consider all options to meet water demand during drought conditions, according to Shadow Public Works Minister Mark Pettingill.He said that droughts like the one currently facing the Island are not uncommon, and that Government needs to keep an open mind as to how to approach the problem.“The Government of the day must consider all methods of use including restoration of catchments and even legislation regarding consumption with a scale of fee for those that overuse,” Mr Pettingill said.He said he has already spoken with Public Works Minister Derrick Burgess about the issue.His comments follow nearly six months of unusually dry weather which have placed an increasing strain on government’s water production facilities.Only 13.19in of rainfall have been recorded on the Island this year as of Sunday just over half of the average year-to-date rainfall of 25.91in.Mr Burgess last week urged the public to conserve water and keep an eye on their water tank to make sure they don’t run dry.“As I have said previously, the first and best solution still remains the same as used by residents for generations, and that is simply to control our water usage,” he told the House of Assembly.“Managing our water consumption is key and can be as easy as taking a shorter shower each day or doing one load of laundry less per week.”He said the increased demand, combined with a mechanical failure at the Tynes Bay reverse osmosis facility, had forced government water outlets to work limited hours.Environmental group Greenrock have argued that Government should look at other means of conservation, such as establishing stricter planning guidelines regarding water usage, grey water systems to reuse water and water reclamations systems for large buildings.“Reverse osmosis, using current energy rates, is a very expensive way to get water,” said the organisation in a statement.“Not only is it energy-intensive, it also relies heavily on mechanical parts, and history has shown us these plants are prone to failures, which adds even more to the strain.”The group suggested taking advantage of the water catchments already in place around the Island to help provide water during the dry months.“By using catchments across the Island, and having homes maintain their roofs and tank and promoting water conservation and setting guidelines, Government could tackle this problem more effectively than just relying on more osmosis plants.”* How are you affected by the drought? Email news@royalgazette.bm