Matthew Samuda Warns of Tighter Jamaica Water Restrictions as Drought Deepens

Jamaica’s water crisis is worsening, with 107 of the National Water Commission’s 405 reserve systems now in drought territory and several parishes already under strict restrictions. Minister Matthew Samuda has warned of tighter measures from Monday, including possible day-on, day-off supply, as rainfall forecasts remain poor for the rest of the year.

Jamaica is facing tighter water restrictions from Monday as drought worsens, with some communities likely to move to day-on, day-off supply, especially in areas served by Hermitage Dam and Mona Reservoir. Minister Matthew Samuda said the government is buying 5,000 tanks, adding trucks and wayside tanks, and urging conservation as eastern Jamaica risks severe shortages.

Jamaica’s drought has left 107 of the National Water Commission’s 405 reserve systems in drought conditions, cutting daily production by about 10 to 15 million gallons and forcing restrictions in several parishes. Kingston, St Andrew and St Thomas are now among the hardest hit, with dam levels falling sharply. The NWC says it is trucking water, restarting wells and planning a long-term push to reduce major water losses from leaks and theft.

Water Minister Matthew Samuda says Jamaica will face tougher water restrictions as a severe drought deepens, with some communities likely to move to day-on, day-off supply within weeks. The NWC has already imposed prohibition orders in seven parishes, while trucked water is being used in hard-hit areas. He said the Rio Cobre treatment plant, due next May, should help ease shortages in Kingston and St Andrew.

Water Minister Matthew Samuda says no permits are being withheld for water parties using privately sourced water, even as drought-driven restrictions remain in place for National Water Commission supplies. He said organisers must show proof of private water purchases, but the law does not clearly bar such events, prompting concern during widespread conservation efforts.

The Ministry of Education is urging schools with agricultural science programmes to protect students, crops and livestock from drought and extreme heat by conserving water, adjusting irrigation, using shade and monitoring animals and plants for stress. It also wants schools to limit outdoor exposure, watch for heat illness and create response plans, highlighting climate change adaptation in school farming.

Drought conditions are driving a sharp rise in demand for trucked water across Jamaica, leaving suppliers struggling to keep up as 99 National Water Commission systems are affected and major storage levels remain low. In Manchester, operator Rohan Smith says daily calls, long loading-bay waits and high fuel costs are stretching his business, while hospitals and other essential users are being prioritised.