ST CATHERINE, Jamaica— The National Water Commission (NWC) says an apparent chemical spill within the Rio Cobre river valley has led to the shutdown of the Spanish Town Treatment Plant in St Catherine.

The NWC is advising customers that while the Spanish Town system remains out of operations, it will be seeking to extend the service area of the Chung’s Well and Angel’s facilities to provide relief water supply to those areas affected.

The company further advised that the temporary measures being implemented may not result in normal water pressures but should provide some relief against the significant shortfall caused by the loss of production.

In the meantime, the NWC said it will continue to closely monitor the situation that has impacted the raw water source to the plant, and will restart operations once it is verified as safe to do so.

Areas affected include:-Spanish Town, Westmore, Hampton Green, Lakemore Gardens, Newton Avenue, Nugent Street, McCoy’s Land, Mayfair Mews, Brunswick Avenue, Job’s Lane, White Water Meadows, Hartlands, McCooks Pen, Leiba Gardens, Sydenham Gardens, Wedge Wood Gardens, Willowdene Housing Scheme and Hopedale Housing Scheme.