NWC: Most major systems still operating but turbidity and outages pose challenges

The National Water Commission (NWC) says most of its major water supply systems remain operational as Hurricane Melissa continues to affect weather conditions across Jamaica.

The agency said on Sunday that despite heavy rains in several parishes, facilities such as the Mona and Constant Spring plants in St Andrew, the Logwood plant in Hanover, Great River in St James, Martha Brae in Trelawny, and the Greater Mandeville system continue to serve customers.

However, the NWC reported that “high turbidity, which is caused by increased runoff and sediment entering rivers and surface water sources, has begun to affect some of its facilities in parishes such as Manchester, Portland, Trelawny, St Mary, Clarendon, St James, Westmoreland and Kingston and St Andrew.”

“As a result, some of our customers have been without their usual supply,” state entity said.

It noted that operations teams are “closely monitoring water quality, and the systems will be returned to full operation when turbidity levels have subsided to safe and acceptable standards.”

The NWC added that a few systems are being affected by internal electromechanical issues and external power supply outages, which teams are working to address.

With emergency and preparedness measures now activated, the commission said it has mobilised technical teams, fuelled generators and vehicles, and filled storage tanks to support post-storm recovery.

Customers have been urged to store and conserve water and ensure that water used for drinking is safe.

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