Water restriction order takes legal effect today – NWC

The new measure becomes necessary as inflows into many of the commission’s water supply sources across the island continue to dwindle due to continued drought conditions. 

Among the worst affected water supply systems are the island’s two largest systems – the Mona dam and the Hermitage reservoir where storage levels continue to fall below 32.9 per cent and 38.3 per cent respectively. This, despite restrictive measures imposed earlier this year. 

As a result, the NWC is now moving to make it a prosecutable offence to waste water or use excessive amounts of its potable water for non-essential purposes, as provided for under the law.

Customers are being reminded that the limited potable water that is available should be reserved for essential uses, such as drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and sanitation in those areas still affected by drought conditions.

Among the offences that are to be punishable by a fine imposed by the parish courts after conviction or, for failing to pay the fine, imprisonment for up to thirty days, are:  

• Watering of gardens, lawns, grounds and farms; 
• Refilling of ponds, or swimming pools and/or for use other than normal domestic services;
• Washing of vehicles by the use of a hose;
• Watering or washing roadways, pavements, paths, and garages; 
• Any purpose which may require the use of a considerable or excessive quantity of water

It must be noted that the prohibition order is specific to the use of water supplied by the National Water Commission in drought-affected areas. The prohibition order also applies to persons who cause or give permission to others to break the law.

#NWCNewstream | NWC’s Prohibition Order Takes Legal Effect Today

See full release: pic.twitter.com/ovqCAe8MqQ

— NWC Jamaica (@NWCjam) May 26, 2023