FACING the annual prospect of cutting staff or paying to truck untreated water just to keep their businesses afloat, car wash operators across Kingston and St Andrew say they are once again bracing for a difficult period as stricter restrictions loom.

Several operators told the Jamaica Observer they fear they may be forced to temporarily shutter their operation or find alternatives to clean vehicles if the drought persists, though many remain hopeful that rainfall will ease the situation before the restrictions intensify.

Last week, Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda warned that full prohibition orders on the use of potable water are possible by August 10, if weather conditions remain unchanged or worsen.