KINGSTON, Jamaica — Service restrictions have been announced by the National Water Commission (NWC) for communities served by the Constant Spring System, with upper and lower areas to receive service on alternating 12-Hour Cycles beginning Monday

In a statement on Monday, the National Water Commission said despite rainfall experienced over the past several days, water levels at the Hermitage Dam continue to decline and are now approaching the critical threshold of 65 per cent.

The NWC said this has necessitated the implementation of regulatory measures to preserve available supplies.

Under the announced regulation schedule, the Constant Spring network has been divided into two zones:

Upper Constant Spring – Areas located above the Ministry of Justice

Lower Constant Spring – Areas situated below Ministry of Justice

Water will be provided on a 12-hour alternating schedule, as follows:

Upper Areas (6:00 pm to 6:00 am):

Sections of Duhaney Park, Patrick City, Pembroke Hall, Queensbury, Queensborough, Hughenden, Molynes Gardens, Molynes Road (Red Hills Rd to Washington Blvd), Perkins Boulevard, Meadowbrook Estate, Red Hills Road, Mannings Hill Road, Camperdown, Dunrobin Avenue, Constant Spring Road, Oakland, Havendale (sections), Meadowbrook (sections), Arlene Gardens, Grants Pen, and Shortwood Road

Lower Areas (6:00 am to 6:00 pm)

Eastwood Park Road, Constant Spring Road, Cassia Park, Waltham Park Road, Chisholm Avenue, Molynes Road (Eastwood Park to Washington Blvd), Half Way Tree, Hagley Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, Moreton Park, Half Way Tree Road, Richmond Park, Cockburn Gardens, Kencot, Whitfield Town, Cross Roads (sections), and Maxfield Park.

The possibility of more restrictions is on the table as the commission notes that water management initiatives have been outlined for approximately 133 water supply systems across the island that traditionally show susceptibility to dry and drought conditions.

The NWC said while seasonal declines are typical, current inflows in several of these systems are trending below levels recorded at the same time last year, warranting close monitoring and early intervention.

According to the NWC, the Mona Reservoir system continues to be monitored, but remains relatively stable at approximately 85 per cent capacity, and normal operations will be maintained for areas served by this system.

Customers in areas supplied by the Constant Spring system are encouraged to note the enclosed regulation schedule and to take steps to conserve and manage water use responsibly.

The NWC said it will continue to monitor all systems closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve.

The NWC is also encouraging customers to:

Store water for use outside of scheduled supply hours

Fix leaks promptly

Install water-saving devices

Reuse grey water where possible

And most importantly, conserve water at all times.