NWC Imposes More Stringent Measures

More stringent water conservation measures have been imposed by the National Water Commission (NWC), in light of the ongoing drought affecting sections of the island and reduced water inflows to catchment facilities.

The prohibition Notice takes effect today (May 26) and will remain in effect until further notice.

Under the Notice, the NWC prohibits in all areas of the island of Jamaica served by drought-affected water supply systems the use of water supplied by or obtained through the pipes of the Commission for irrigation of, and watering of gardens, lawns, grounds and farms; refilling or supplying of ponds, or swimming pools and/or for use other than normal domestic services, such as drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and sanitation; washing of vehicles by use of a hose; watering or washing roadways, pavements, paths, garages or out rooms, and any purpose which may require the use of a considerable or excessive quantity of water.

Persons who breach the Notice may be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction before a Resident Magistrate to a fine and in default of payment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days.

The Notice also applies to persons who cause or give permission to others to break the law.

Providing an update on the ongoing drought conditions impacting the island, during today’s (May 26) sitting of the Senate, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, said although Jamaica has experienced some increased rainfall in recent weeks, it is not evenly distributed or sufficient to provide respite for affected communities.

Senator Samuda said the current dry period has been cumulatively dryer than any other period in recorded history, noting that the eastern end of the island has been significantly impacted by the shift in rainfall patterns.
“During the six-month period October to March, the number of parishes experiencing drought conditions grew steadily from three in November to 11 in February, but then stabilised at approximately six in March,” he said.

He informed that the projections indicate less rainfall for the next three months.

“Looking at specific parishes for the May to July 2023 period, it suggests that most of the country will continue to experience below-normal rainfall. However, the MET Service has projected that Portland is likely to be the most impacted, followed by other Eastern and East Central parishes,” he said.

The Minister noted that although the NWC has implemented various operating strategies to minimise the negative effect of the reduction from the source since the start of 2023, some customers served by the worse affected systems are already experiencing severe low water pressure or interruptions in their piped water supply.

The impacted systems in the east for the Kingston and St. Andrew Metropolitan Area are the Hermitage System and the Mona Reservoir, which are currently at 37 per cent and 33 per cent in storage, respectively.

He said the Seaview Water Treatment Plant, which is served by lines out of St. Catherine, is approximately 73 per cent.

Senator Samuda pointed out that other affected systems have also been negatively and severely affected by the reduced rainfall. “Every part of Jamaica has been impacted,” he said

Meanwhile, he said the Government will continue to implement measures to respond to the crisis as well as improve resilience. Some of these include the allocation of $110 million to support farmers, $130 million for trucking of potable water, the purchase of black tanks for households to facilitate orderly trucking of water, improving the fleet of water trucks, alternate distribution, increase in valving and other regulations, reactivation of wells, increased allocation for trucking through municipal corporations, among others.

He noted, too, that ongoing projects will increase the country’s resilience to droughts in the future.