The Challenge
Development of the Lafito Industrial Special Economic Zone (SEZ) required a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective water supply to support port operations, manufacturing, residential facilities, healthcare services, and on-site power generation. Located in Haiti’s Ouest Department, the site faced constraints including limited existing infrastructure, variable surface-water availability, saline groundwater conditions, and socio-political sensitivities related to water access. Meeting projected demands of up to 2,500 m³/day required identifying water supply solutions that balanced reliability, water quality, capital and operating costs, and long-term resilience.
Our Solution
Spheros Environmental (formerly Northwater Consulting) implemented a comprehensive hydrogeological and engineering evaluation of multiple water supply alternatives for the Lafito SEZ. The approach integrated geophysical investigations, exploratory drilling, water quality testing, and preliminary treatment system design to assess freshwater and brackish groundwater, river infiltration galleries, regional spring sources, and seawater desalination. Each alternative was evaluated through a cost-benefit framework that considered yield potential, TDS constraints, treatment requirements, lifecycle costs, operational complexity, and socio-political risk, enabling objective comparison of technically viable options.
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Results +What makes this unique
The study identified a blended water supply strategy combining subsurface river infiltration, fresh groundwater development, and brackish groundwater desalination as the most resilient and cost-effective solution. By evaluating multiple source options in parallel and integrating treatment considerations early in the planning process, the project delivered a phased, adaptable roadmap that reduced reliance on any single source while meeting international water quality and waste management standards. This approach provided Lafito Global with a robust foundation for long-term industrial water security.
Project Experts
