Mixed reactions from members of the public about water prohibition orders which take effect today

August 17, 2026

There are mixed reactions from members of the public about the water prohibition orders which took effect today.

The water restrictions are for: Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. Ann, and St. Catherine.

The National Water Commission (NWC) has banned non-essential water use due to severe drought and low reservoir levels.

Its customers are prohibited from using NWC-supplied water for: watering lawn, gardens, and farms, refilling ponds and swimming pools, washing vehicles with a hose, washing roadways, pavements and outdoor areas or any activity requiring excessive quantity of water.

IRIE FM News took to the streets of half-way tree to get people’s reactions to the restrictions.

One bus operator says, due to this restriction, he will now have to wash his vehicle once per week.

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One St. Andrew woman says she tries her best to conserve water, by not using a hose to wash her car, ensuring she avoids wasting it.

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A St. Mary man says he believes the fine will force people to conserve water.

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Meanwhile, a Kingston woman says she recycles water, therefore the restrictions will not have a major impact on her.

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And, a taxi operator lamented that the government had made promises to put measures in place to store more water, but those measures have still not been implemented, therefore, he does not support the restrictions.

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