Portmore car wash operators say they could be forced to shut down or increase prices when restrictions on the use of National Water Commission (NWC) water take effect on August 17, questioning what alternatives will be available to businesses that depend on water to survive.

The prohibition comes as the Government moves to conserve dwindling water supplies amid worsening drought conditions. It will affect St Catherine, Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary, Portland and St Ann and remain in effect until further notice. Under the measure, NWC-supplied water cannot be used for several activities, including washing vehicles with a hose, watering lawns and gardens, filling swimming pools and washing roadways, pavements and garages.

While the measure does not explicitly order commercial car washes to close, it effectively removes access to the NWC supply for one of their primary business activities, leaving operators to consider alternative sources of water. Water Minister Matthew Samuda has acknowledged that commercial operations such as car washes could be disproportionately affected by the measure, but said conservation is necessary to maintain supplies for critical services, including schools ahead of their September reopening.