# Water prohibitions in Jamaica

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-prohibitions-in-jamaica
> Updated: 2026-08-13T00:11:01.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Jamaica is implementing water prohibition orders across seven parishes—Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. Ann, and St. Catherine—due to critically low rainfall and rising temperatures. The restrictions, scheduled to take effect on August 17, 2026, prohibit non-essential water use such as irrigating gardens, washing vehicles with hoses, and refilling pools, while prioritizing domestic needs and critical services like schools.

Water Minister Matthew Samuda attributed the shortage to disrupted rainfall patterns potentially influenced by lingering El Niño conditions. While a tropical wave in the Caribbean may bring heavy rainfall to the northern Windward Islands, the local outlook for Jamaica remains characterized by below-normal rainfall through late August.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Caribbean weather: Jamaica issues water prohibitions amid low rainfall forecasts

Jamaica is implementing water prohibitions due to low rainfall forecasts, while a tropical wave threatens the Lesser Antilles with heavy rain and wind.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/caribbean-weather-jamaica-issues-water-prohibitions-amid-low-rainfall-forecasts

### 2026-08-10: Jamaica to issue water prohibition notice in seven parishes

Jamaica will implement water prohibition orders in seven parishes starting August 17 due to low rainfall and high temperatures, restricting non-essential water use to protect critical services.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jamaica-to-issue-water-prohibition-notice-in-seven-parishes

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Cite as: Water prohibitions in Jamaica. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-prohibitions-in-jamaica