The National Water Commission (NWC) is implementing a prohibition order to prevent the use of potable water for non-essential purposes.

The prohibition takes effect this Friday (May 26). In a notice published over the weekend, the NWC said more stringent water conservation measures must now be observed due to a shortage of water resulting from the drought affecting sections of Jamaica.

The order bans persons in all areas of the island supplied by drought-affected systems from:

• Watering of gardens, lawns, grounds and farms,
• Refilling of tanks, 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, garages,
• Any purpose which may require the use of a considerable or excessive quantity of water.

The prohibition order makes it a prosecutable offence to either waste water or to use excessive amounts of the commodity for non-essential purposes. 

Persons who breach the order could be fined or imprisoned for up to 30 days.