Water Minister: recent showers insufficient to sway implementation of water restrictions

August 14, 2026

Water Minister Matthew Samuda says the light showers being experienced across sections of the island are not sufficient to sway the National Water Commission’s implementation of prohibition orders.

The water-use restriction orders, which come into effect on Monday, will affect seven parishes: Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. Ann, and St. Catherine.

They ban non-essential water use due to severe drought and low reservoir levels.

Sections of the island have been experiencing rainfall, which has led some citizens to hope for a withdrawal of the orders.

When questioned about this while providing a Ministerial update to the Jamaica Information Service, Mr. Samuda said the rainfall is not sufficient to offset the long period of drought impacting the island.

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The Minister noted, however, that the prohibition orders will be revised as the situation changes on the island.

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