Gov’t Announces Water Restrictions as Drought Conditions Worsen

Commercial operators, including car washes, are expected to feel the effects of new water restrictions, but the Government says conserving supplies for essential services must take priority as Jamaica continues to grapple with dry conditions.

Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda said the authorities recognise that the restrictions could have an uneven economic impact on some businesses. He said, however, that safeguarding water for critical services, particularly schools ahead of their September reopening, is the immediate priority.

The restrictions will affect Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary, Portland, St Ann and St Catherine and are scheduled to take effect on Monday, August 17. They will remain in place until further notice.

Once the prohibition is in force, customers will not be permitted to use water supplied by the National Water Commission for activities considered non-essential or involving unusually high consumption.

Among the prohibited uses are watering gardens, lawns, grounds and farms; filling or supplying swimming pools and ponds; washing vehicles with a hose; and using water to wash roads, pavements, paths, garages or out-rooms.

The restrictions will also cover other activities that consume excessive or unusual amounts of water. Normal household needs, including drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and sanitation, are not included among the prohibited uses.

Samuda also warned that persons and organisations that disregard the restrictions will face sanctions. He said the penalties are aimed at securing compliance and helping to protect the country’s available water supplies during the current period.

The Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change is expected to issue the formal prohibition notice through the NWC on Wednesday, August 12.

The move follows discussions involving the ministry, the NWC and the Meteorological Services earlier in the week. Officials at the high-level stakeholder meeting were advised that rainfall remained critically low while temperatures continued to be extremely high.

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