NWC says 73 of its water supply systems showing decline

July 31, 2026

Seventy-three of the National Water Commission (NWC’s) water supply systems are showing decline, ranging from 20% to a high of 80%.

NWC Corporate Public Relations Manager Delano Williams told a press conference yesterday that the systems are spread across the country.

The NWC has 450 water sources with two-thirds being surface sources – meaning water from rivers or springs.

He said 133 are historically prone to drought or water supply decline.

Mr. Williams stated that the sources showing signs of decline are in St. Mary, Portland, sections of St. Ann as well as the east and west rural areas of Kingston and St. Andrew.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DELANO-73-SYSTEMS-SHOWING-DECLINES-1.mp3

Mr. Williams indicated that the water sources in western Jamaica are in a better state.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DELANO-WESTERN-WATER-DOING-BETTER-IN-DROUGHT-.mp3

Turning to water systems in the Corporate Area, Mr. Williams presentation compared water levels at the Mona Reservoir and the Hermitage Dam over the last three years.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DELANO-ON-MONA-AND-HERMITAGE.mp3

Water restrictions for customers served by the Constant Spring network are already in place. Restrictions for people served by the Mona system are slated to commence on Monday, August 3.

The NWC provides water to over 550,000 customers, serving about 2.2 million people.