NWC: Corporate Area water rationing imposed due to decline at Hermitage Dam, other systems being closely monitored

The National Water Commission (NWC) is reporting that it has introduced water rationing for Corporate Area communities served by its Constant Spring system due to a decline in levels at the Hermitage Dam.

The NWC says that despite rainfall over the past several days, water levels at the dam are now approaching the critical threshold of 65 per cent..

This has necessitated the implementation of regulatory measures to preserve available supplies, the commission said.

Effective today, the NWC has introduced water regulations for areas served by the Constant Spring system, which it says are aimed at ensuring equitable distribution and sustaining service across affected communities during this period of reduced inflows.

Under this regulation schedule, the Constant Spring network has been divided into two zones: Upper Constant Spring — areas located above the Ministry of Justice — and Lower Constant Spring — areas situated below the Ministry of Justice.

Water will be provided on a 12-hour alternating schedule, as follows:

• Upper Areas (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.): Sections of Duhaney Park, Patrick City, Pembroke Hall, Queensbury, Queensborough, Hughenden, Molynes Gardens, Molynes Road (Red Hills Road to Washington Boulevard), Perkins Boulevard, Meadowbrook Estate, Red Hills Road, Mannings Hill Road, Camperdown, Dunrobin Avenue, Constant Spring Road, Oakland, section of Havendale, sections of Meadowbrook, Arlene Gardens, Grants Pen, and Shortwood Road.

• Lower Areas (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.): Eastwood Park Road, Constant Spring Road, Cassia Park, Waltham Park Road, Chisholm Avenue, Molynes Road (Eastwood Park to Washington Boulevard), Half-Way Tree, Hagley Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, Moreton Park, Half-Way Tree Road, Richmond Park, Cockburn Gardens, Kencot, Whitfield Town, sections of Cross Roads, and Maxfield Park.

The NWC says that in this initial phase, water management initiatives have been outlined for approximately 133 water supply systems across the island that traditionally show susceptibility to dry and drought conditions.

The company says that while seasonal declines are typical, current inflows in several of these systems are trending below levels recorded at the same time last year, warranting close monitoring and early intervention.

It added that the Mona Reservoir system continues to be monitored but remains relatively stable at approximately 85 per cent capacity, and normal operations will be maintained for areas served by this system.

Customers in areas supplied by the Constant Spring system are encouraged to note the regulation schedule and to take steps to conserve and manage water use responsibly.

The NWC says it will continue to monitor all systems closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve.

The commission is also encouraging customers to store water for use outside of scheduled supply hours, fix leaks promptly, install water-saving devices, reuse grey water where possible, and, most importantly, conserve water at all times.

“These measures are necessary to preserve the limited supply and ensure equitable distribution until rainfall conditions improve, which is projected for the September/October period.”

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