The Ministry of Public Works has apologised for shortfalls of fresh water, citing challenges at the Tynes Bay reverse osmosis plant.A spokesman for Public Works said that water production was stalled due to problems with the refurbishments at the facility, which have since been addressed.“The difficulties in water delivery experienced by truckers in the central area was primarily related to upgrade work,” said a spokesman.“A notice to the public advising of potential shortfalls due to this work was published on April 20, and a press release was also issued on April 19 advising of the potential shortfall.“There was an unforeseen delay with the work, which caused water levels in the reservoirs to deplete and necessitated the temporary closing of the trucker’s outlet in order to allow the levels to replenish.”The spokesman added that fresh water production at the Port Royal depot has also returned to normal levels, asking water truckers and customers for their understanding while they work to improve the reliability of the system.Last week, several water truckers spoke to The Royal Gazette reporting that closures at Government water depots had made it difficult to get fresh water for their customers.The effects of the closures were magnified by an increased demand for water caused by the current drought.While April and May are usually the Island’s driest months, rainfall this year in February, March and April were all below normal.In a statement yesterday, Minister of Public Works Derrick Burgess called for the public to conserve water, noting that the Island is 7.3in behind the average yearly rainfall to date.“Homeowners should monitor water use and check tank levels early to prevent running out,” Mr Burgess said.“Water should be ordered before running out and the public are asked to be considerate when ordering water and order only what is critically necessary so that supply can reach all those in need.”The Bermuda Weather Service was forecasting showers today as a cold front crosses over the Island.l Useful website: www.weather.bm