Jamaica to issue water prohibition notice in seven parishes

The Jamaican Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, through the National Water Commission (NWC), will issue a water prohibition notice on Wednesday, August 12. The restrictions are scheduled to take effect on Monday, August 17, and will remain in force until further notice.

The decision follows a meeting between the NWC and the Meteorological Service, which confirmed critically low rainfall levels and rising temperatures. The prohibition applies to Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. Ann, and St. Catherine.

Under the orders, water supplied by the NWC may not be used for non-essential purposes. Prohibited activities include irrigating gardens, lawns, and farms; refilling ponds or swimming pools; washing vehicles with hoses; and cleaning roadways, pavements, or garages. Essential domestic uses, such as drinking, cooking, bathing, and sanitation, are not affected.

Water Minister Matthew Samuda noted that while the measures may disproportionately impact commercial operations like car washes, the priority is maintaining supply for critical services, particularly schools, ahead of the September academic year. The ministry stated that sanctions will be applied to individuals or entities found in breach of the orders.