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Water rationing as Jamaica experiences prolonged drought

Posted by CaribShout on August 13, 2009 at 8:44pm

KINGSTON, Jamaica, August 12, 2009 - Water restrictions are in effect in Jamaica as the country experiences a prolonged and worsening drought, even as islands in the south of the Caribbean are forced to deal with too much water resulting from tropical waves in the area. The National Water Commission (NWC) said it had introduced the rationing programme to meet the demands of consumers as some of its reservoirs were severely affected by the dry weather conditions. One of the main reservoirs, Heritage Dam, which normally holds about 393 million gallons, is at just 26 per cent capacity and the NWC said it was "a critically low level". In a prohibition notice, the Commission warned customers against using water for non-essential purposes such as irrigation and watering gardens, lawns and grounds; filling or supplying tanks, ponds, baths or swimming pools other than dipping tanks for cattle, elevated reserve tanks that do not exceed 200 gallons and are connected to household sewerage or water supply system; watering or washing roadways, pavements, paths, garages, out rooms or vehicles; or any other purpose which may require the use of a considerable or excessive quantity of water. Fabulous Rates for Caricom Nationals The tightened measures are in addition to restrictions implemented earlier this month which have seen customers experiencing no water or low water pressure conditions from 7 pm to 3:30 am and 10 am to 4 pm daily. Anyone who does not abide by the prohibition notice could be fined by the court or face up to 30 days in jail. The Office of Disaster and Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has also urged all Jamaicans to conserve water. The parish of Westmoreland in the south side of Jamaica and St Mary in the northeast have been worst affected by the drought so far. The Meteorological Service said that less than normal rainfall is expected up to September. Meantime, two tropical waves have dumped heavy rains on the southernmost islands of the Caribbean, resulting in flooding and damage to some homes. Over in Grenada, the weather forced organisers to add an extra day to Carnival activities after the parade of the bands was rained out.

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