ST JAMES, Jamaica— The Westmoreland Public Health Department is urging residents to exercise caution when purchasing trucked water, particularly in communities experiencing shortages following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Health promotion and education officer for the parish Gerald Miller said individuals should ensure that water is being sourced only from the department’s three approved loading bays in the parish.

The authorised locations are the National Water Commission (NWC) loading bays in Petersfield, Grange Hill, and Spring Garden.

“These are the only sites approved by the department for the safe sourcing of potable water,” Miller said, noting that purchasing water from unsafe sources could cause diarrhoeal and other waterborne illnesses.

Health Education and Promotion Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller. (Photo: JIS)

“We are advising the public not to purchase water from trucks that have not bought the water from the approved sources,” he emphasised.

Miller said that residents must insist on proof of purchase when receiving water from truck operators. “Persons need to request that the trucker show them the receipt outlining where they would have bought the water from,” he said.

He pointed out that in the past, there have been instances of truckers sourcing water from unsafe locations, posing risks to consumers.

Miller reiterated that unsafe water remains a concern in emergency periods and shortages, and residents must take the necessary steps to protect their health.

-JIS