Measures to be declared tomorrow to take effect on August 17, 2026

Durrant Pate/Contributor

Amid the worsening drought in Jamaica, the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, through the National Water Commission (NWC), will be issuing a water prohibition notice tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The new measures contained in the Orders are set to take effect Monday, August 17, 2026. The move follows a high‑level stakeholder meeting earlier today with the NWC and the Meteorological Services, which confirmed that rainfall levels remain critically low and temperatures continue to soar. 

The prohibition orders will apply to Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. Ann and St. Catherine and will remain in force until further notice. Under the orders, no person shall use or cause water supplied by the NWC to be used for non‑essential or unusual purposes. 

Prohibited activities include: 

·       Irrigation or watering of gardens, lawns, grounds, and farms

·       Refilling or supplying of ponds or swimming pools and/or for use other than normal domestic services such as drinking, cooking, washing, bathing, and sanitation

·       Washing of vehicles with by the use of a hose

·       Watering or washing of roadways, pavements, paths, garages, or out‑rooms

·       Any activity requiring excessive or unusual quantities of water. 

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, is underscoring the necessity of the measures, saying, “We understand that there is some disproportionate economic impact on commercial operations, such as car washes, and we have not taken this decision lightly. Ultimately, our priority is to maintain supply to critical services, especially schools, as we prepare for the September reopening.”

The Minister warned that sanctions will be applied to individuals and entities found in breach of the prohibition orders, noting “these penalties are intended to ensure compliance and protect the integrity of Jamaica’s water supply during this critical period.” 

The Ministry, in partnership with the NWC, Meteorological Service, and other agencies, will continue to monitor rainfall, reservoir levels, and storage capacity, and will provide updates as conditions evolve.