KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Water Commission (NWC) has reaffirmed the safety and quality of the water being supplied to Kingston and St Andrew, dismissing claims that residents should boil their water before consumption.

The statement comes in response to concerns raised by Opposition Junior Spokesman on Health and Wellness, Jesse James Clark, regarding alleged contamination of the water supply.

Clark, who also chairs the Public Health and Sanitation Committee at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), recently toured several treatment plants and rural water facilities. He asserted that tests showed elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria in some areas, exceeding the acceptable limit of five per cent of samples testing positive.

He urged residents to boil their water and called on Minister of Water, Matthew Samuda, to address the issue urgently.

Clark also maintained that immediate intervention is needed to improve treatment processes, including better chlorination and filtration systems. He described the situation as a “public health emergency,” urging the government to allocate resources for critical upgrades at smaller water treatment facilities.

However, the NWC has firmly rejected these claims, stating that its water supply is continuously monitored and tested in accordance with Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) guidelines and international standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The agency also assured residents that the water remains safe for consumption with no directive from the MOHW to boil water.

The commission highlighted that its Constant Spring system, a major water source for Kingston and St Andrew, operates within all regulatory standards. Additionally, it noted that water from the Seaview plant has been recognised as the best-tasting water in the Caribbean for several years.

While acknowledging that small rural water systems sometimes face challenges due to high runoff and farming activities, the NWC assured the public that it proactively addresses any vulnerabilities. The commission also emphasised that both the NWC and the MOHW conduct independent water quality tests to ensure safety.