Jamaica’s Water System: Replenishing Lives

“Many people think water simply comes from their pipes, we turn off and turn on, we don’t appreciate water until it’s gone,” Chief Hydrologist, Geoffrey Marshall at the Water Resources Authority (WRA) has expressed.

Water is one of the most important components of life as it is used for domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational purposes. According to the WRA, Jamaica’s water quality is among the best in the world. This is due to the lack of harmful chemical and pharmaceutical contaminants that may be found in the water supply of other countries.

Water Sources

Most of Jamaica’s water comes from underground sources called aquifers, which are layers of rock and/or sediments that hold groundwater. The two main types of aquifers in Jamaica are limestone and alluvium, with limestone being the largest, holding around 50% of the island’s groundwater. Other sources include rivers, springs, ponds and wells.

Water Distribution

The process of collecting water from its original source and supplying to households is a delicate and important one. The WRA outlines this method.

• Water is pumped from a well or diverted from a river or spring.
• This water runs through pipelines to a treatment plant where the water is purified for drinking.
• In some cases, the water may first be sent to a storage tank before getting to our taps

The Mona Reservoir and Hermitage Dam act as storage tanks for Kingston and St. Andrew and are the largest water holding facilities in the country. There are smaller water supply systems that serve the rest of the island.

Supply and Demand

Interestingly, most of Jamaica’s water supply comes from the north coast of the island while the greatest need comes from the south coast. This furthers the need for proper waste disposal habits and conservation to ensure that water is safe and available when needed. To this effect, the National Water Commission (NWC) provides water-saving tips for the public.

Water To Innovate – Hydroelectricity

Jamaica has eight hydroelectric stations that contribute to the national electricity grid. These stations harness the power of water in motion to help generate electricity and are located in St. Andrew, St. Ann and St. Elizabeth.

Further Developments

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) implemented the ‘Water Shop’ project in 2016 to allow residents greater access to potable water, through the establishment of water facilities in communities that are usually affected by drought. These communities include Clarendon, Portland and Manchester which already have functional water shops. Each complex consists of water tanks that are fenced, as well as administrative offices. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in partnership with the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL), plans to roll out 30 more water shops starting April 2022, across Portland, St. Elizabeth and Manchester.

For additional information, contact:
National Water Commission (NWC)
5th Floor, Sagicor Building
28-48 Barbados Avenue
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-929-5430
Fax: 876-926-1329
Email: customercare@nwc.com.jm
Website: https://www.nwcjamaica.com/index.php
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @nwcjam

Water Resources Authority (WRA)
Hope Gardens
P.O. Box 91
Kingston 7
Tel: 876-927-0077
Fax: 876-977-0179
Email: pclarke@wra.gov.jm
Website: https://www.wra.gov.jm/
Twitter: @wragovja

Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL)
The Towers 3rd Floor (North Side)
25 Dominica Drive
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-754-5485
Fax: 876-754-5500
Email: info@rwslja.com
Website: https://www.rwsl.gov.jm/
Facebook & Twitter: @rwslja