Trinidad and Tobago

 General Information 

Trinidad and Tobago continues to experience serious challenges in wastewater management. Sewage discharges affect rivers, aquifers, and coastal ecosystems, with nutrient loads contributing to reef degradation and posing risks to public health. Gaps in centralized sewerage, outdated systems, and limited enforcement of effluent standards have slowed progress, making investment in innovative and cost-effective approaches essential. 

Through GEF CReW+, the country advanced critical reforms and practical demonstrations. At the regulatory level, the project supported the creation of Water Reuse Standards for agricultural and other applications, introducing clear guidance on how treated wastewater can be safely reused. This was complemented by the development of a national open data database, consolidating water sector information to improve monitoring, transparency, and evidence-based planning. 

In Tobago, the project designed and implemented integrated and innovative water and wastewater solutions in Charlotteville, upgrading community infrastructure through rainwater harvesting, septic improvements, and conservation measures. To support agricultural reuse, CReW+ carried out a viability study for a pilot irrigation project using treated wastewater and subsequently implemented the pilot project, demonstrating safe and productive reuse for crop cultivation. 

By combining new standards, digital tools, community interventions, and agricultural pilots, GEF CReW+ provided Trinidad and Tobago with practical experience in reuse and integrated management, showing how policy, data, and on-the-ground solutions can work together to reduce pollution and support sustainable livelihoods.