Faced with droughts and supply shortages, the CACEM is launching a campaign to groundwater drilling at five sites in Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin. If the trials are successful, this resource could supply the Odyssi network between 2028 and 2030.
The goal is to reduce dependence on river water, which today account for 94 % of the resource, compared to just 6 % from groundwater.
The drilling, carried out to a depth of more than 90 meters deep, pass through the clay and then the volcanic basalt through which the aquifers flow. The BRGM emphasizes that while some wells are unproductive, others may offer exceptional potential.
The campaign, launched in 2025, represents an investment of 1.5 million euros. The goal is to identify water of very high quality that requires minimal treatment.
Ultimately, CACEM and Odyssi hope to increase the share of groundwater to between 20 % and 30 % resources to better secure the water supply during periods of drought.
Officials point out, however, that Drilling alone will not be enough to solve the water crisis. The priority remains the reduction of grid losses, with nearly 200 million euros in investments planned over a ten-year period to modernize the infrastructure.
Before any operation begins, each water intake must be approved by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). A high-performance well can produce approximately 1,500 m³ per day, or a daily intake of approximately 6,000 residents.Gdc
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