THE persistent water shortage is hampering the efficient running of several households across Jamaica, notably those in the Corporate Area, leaving many frustrated and desperate for the day when the precious commodity once again runs freely from their taps.

But from the looks of things, it could be a while longer before that happens. Environment Watch hit the streets last week to hear from Jamaicans about how they think water security can be assured once this drought is over. Here is what they had to say.

Vernal Gentles, Spanish Town

“In the short term water can be transported where needed. In the long term, there is the need for a new dam and more well drilling. If the government wants to go hi-tech, they can have a desalination plant where they remove the salt from the sea water. But that is very expensive. They can also do cloud seeding. This is the attempt to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds by dispersing substances into the air that serves as cloud dispensation. The problem with this, though, is that they would not have control over the amount of rains that fall and could result in flooding. They can also recycle household water, this is something that is done in many other countries. Then there is the good old conservation. One of the ways to do this is to use double-flush toilet valves, where if persons pass their faeces, it flushes with a lot of water, but if they urinate or spit in the toilet it uses less water to flush.”

Marie Smith, Stony Hill, St Andrew

“I have gastro (gastroentoritis) right now because of lack of water and because the water we get is dirty. The government can transport water in trucks and make agreement with the community to say what time they’re coming so that people can prepare for it.”

Daisy Foster, Stony Hill, St Andrew

“Right now I don’t have any Government but they can truck water to the people and stop sell it. Water come from God and it free so they should not be selling it to people. That way they can ensure that people get water. Right now the water situation really terrible.”

Winston Johnson, Spanish Town

“Right now there might not be much that can be done, but government can look into running pipes from the rivers and also dig more wells. Wells don’t get dry so easily, so that would help in the long run.”

Simon Barrett, Spanish Town

“Persons just have to try and conserve more — use less water and catch and store. The government has to see to it that water trucks can go in certain areas and give people water. They have to let people know that water is limited so they must conserve.”

André Mannings, Waterhouse, Kingston

“Dig more wells and export water from other countries like Trinidad. That water could be used for drinking, and the little in the dam used to bathe and wash. Buying drinking water might be expensive, but persons cannot do without it.”