While sitting at my computer last night, I heard a horror show coming from the bathroom. As it got louder i realized both my cats, hair on end, tails puffed, had followed to investigate the creeping, loud burping and banging. It was coming from the toilet. A flush sent muddy water straight up in the air as the toilet belched and gasped as if dying. Louder and louder it shrieked, sending the cats off into the dark.

The terrifying truth? We were out of water.

Terrifying because we have been unable to convince our landlord to hook our rented home up to government piped water. So we are at the mercy of what lands on our roof and finds its way into our (leaking) cistern.

I'm sweaty, smelling and need to do the dishes... Who do i call? The call to the landlord is another story, but the next call I made was to Neil Cornelius: water delivery at your service. It was 10pm at night, but he answered. And true to his word, he arrived within 12 hrs and pumped 2000 gallons into our cistern.

Its at this point i realized why i like Neil. He's a very hard working small businessman who is reilable, dependable and fair. When i asked if - in these dry times - he's increased his rates, his answer was "No. Its more important to keep a customer than gouge for a few bucks more".

Apparently, Neil is more the exception than the rule. With Antigua suffering the worst drought in a few years, Neil has maintained his rates, despite long line-ups at Crabbe Hill desalonation plant. Trucks can be lined up 10 deep waiting to fill up and deliver.

Mr. Cornelius shared how when certain parts of the island (JH) or when resorts run out, panic sets in and its not a few thousand gallons they need. "When places run out, they may need 150,000 gallons... and they want it now!"

When asked if there were any particular areas that are being harder hit than others, Neil indicated the drought is island-wide. "Everyone needs water right now, and with water levels so low, i have to go all the way to Crabbe Hill just to get it. It costs more in fuel, more time but I am still delivering 7-10 truckloads a day".

Neil starts early and works late, but don't call on Sundays. You'll find Mr. Cornelius not in his truck but at church and with his famlly.

If you need water delivered, Neil Cornelius Water Delivery Service comes very highly recommended. Call Neil at 771.6622 or 727-6622.