KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) has warned that without a substantial increase in rainfall, water restrictions may become necessary in several areas.

The NWC has reported that 133 of its 612 water supply systems are already being affected by reduced inflows.

According to the Meteorological Services Branch, the early rainfall period typically experienced between April and June is expected to be significantly below normal.

If the projection materialises, water storage will be critical in preventing a prolonged drought from severely disrupting households, agriculture and essential services, according to the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change.

The ministry  on Tuesday, convened its first meeting of the year for the Drought Management Committee to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the country’s water resources and the escalating impact of reduced rainfall on national systems.

Particular concern was raised regarding the western region, where infrastructure remains compromised following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

At the meeting, chaired by Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, the National Irrigation Commission Limited (NIC) highlighted mounting challenges in the eastern end of the island, especially within the Yallahs Basin.

In response to the findings,  Samuda directed the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL) to immediately implement a two-part emergency action plan, the ministry said in a release on Tuesday.

“First, RWSL is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of rural water supply systems in hurricane-affected communities. The review must outline repair costs and identify systems that can be rehabilitated quickly to deliver immediate relief and strengthen drought resilience,” said Samuda.

“Second, the minister has ordered an urgent audit of water storage capacity at critical institutions, including hospitals, schools, children’s homes, homes for the elderly and police stations, particularly those housing detainees,” the release said.

“This is about preparedness and protection,” Samuda stressed. “We must ensure that our most vulnerable citizens and essential services are safeguarded if the anticipated rains do not materialise.”

The minister also underscored the Government’s ongoing investment in community resilience.

To date, nearly 13,000 household water storage tanks have been distributed through the ministry, increasing local storage capacity and reducing vulnerability during dry periods.

Samuda said he will shortly present a detailed report to Cabinet outlining recommended measures to further strengthen national water security, should below-normal rainfall persists.

The Government is also advancing long-term water resilience measures to reduce vulnerability to future droughts.

Work has already commenced under the Western Water Resilience Project, with full construction scheduled to begin in June 2026, significantly strengthening supply reliability across the western region.

In addition, the Rio Cobre Water Supply Project is now under construction and is expected to deliver approximately 15 million imperial gallons of water per day upon completion.

“This additional capacity from the Rio Cobre project alone would exceed the deficit experienced during that crisis and materially enhance national water security,” the release said.