Ongoing Drought Sparks Stringent Measures By NWC

A person can now be charged and imprisoned for wasting water. This is as stakeholders continue to tackle the decline in access to potable water across the island amidst drought conditions. Jamaica, the land of wood and water, is contrastingly experiencing a severe water crisis, leaving many without the option to carry out essential tasks. This dark reality has forced the National Water Commission, NWC, to implement stringent measures in an effort to preserve the precious commodity. Effective May 26, 2023, a prohibition order makes it a prosecutable offence for residents in drought-affected areas, to waste water, or use excessive amounts of potable water for non-essential purposes.  Among the offences are:

• the watering of gardens, lawns, grounds, and farms
• the refilling of ponds, or pools
• washing of vehicles from the pipeline
• watering or washing roadways, pavements, and garages
• it is also deemed an offense to use the water for any purpose which may require the use of an excessive quantity of water.

NWC further notes people can also be prosecuted for giving permission to others to commit these offenses. Once caught disobeying the order, residents may be required to pay a fine imposed by the parish courts or be imprisoned for up to thirty days. 

Reporter: Natalia Clarke

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