The National Water Commission (NWC) in Jamaica has tightened water supply restrictions for customers served by the Mona Reservoir system following a decline in water levels. As of September 16, 2026, the reservoir was reported to be at 35.9 percent capacity.
Effective September 17, 2026, the daily water supply window for affected customers was reduced, with the cut-off time moved from 6:00 p.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. The supply period now runs from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Areas impacted by these measures include sections of Liguanea, Cross Roads, Mountain View, Old Hope Road, Hope Flats, Papine, Gordon Town, Beverly Hills, Half-Way Tree, New Kingston, Franklyn Town, Vineyard Town, Windward Road, South Camp Road, Manley Meadows, Waterloo Road, downtown Kingston, and Harbour View.
According to the NWC, approximately 99 of its 450 water supply systems across the country are currently affected by drought conditions. A water prohibition order, which restricts non-essential water use such as filling swimming pools or washing vehicles with a hose, has been in effect since August 17, 2026. This order applies to the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. Ann, and St. Catherine. Violations of the order are punishable by fines or up to 30 days in prison.
NWC officials noted that recent rainfall in the Kingston area provided minimal relief to the Mona Reservoir and Hermitage Dam, contributing less than one percentage point to storage levels. Meteorological reports indicate that Jamaica has experienced below-average rainfall during the early wet season, which is typically a critical period for reservoir recharge.
The government has identified the Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant as a primary long-term solution to the water deficit in the Kingston, St. Andrew, Portmore, and Spanish Town corridor. The project is currently under construction and is projected for completion in May 2027.
Article source: caribbean360.com | Image credit: caribbean360.com