NWC denies claims of providing unsafe water

Jamaica's primary provider of water, the National Water Commission (NWC) is dismissing recent claims that they are providing poor quality water to residents.

The NWC says the water it supplies is continually monitored, thoroughly tested, and is in full compliance with the guidelines established by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and international best practices set by the World Health Organization.

The commission was reacting to claims from People's National Party Councillor for the Trafalgar division in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, Jesse James Clarke, that the NWC is providing unsafe water to residents of Kingston and St Andrew, in particular those in rural areas.

Clarke, who is also Opposition Junior Spokesperson on Health, claimed that persons should boil it before consumption.

But, the NWC has described the claims as misleading.

"The Constant Spring system operates as one of the NWC's main systems and its operations are always within the stipulated standards, while the water supplied by the Seaview plant has also been tested and rated as the best-tasting water in the Caribbean for several years," stated the NWC in a media release on Thursday night.

"While small rural water systems can pose challenges due to the dynamic realities of high run-off and the impact of farming activities on normal operations, the NWC pays close attention to the potential issues and seeks to address them immediately. Notwithstanding the fact that a number of these facilities are remotely located and only serve very small segments of the population (for instance -less than 40 customers in Bowden Hill), the NWC is constantly reviewing its infrastructural designs and seeking to improve its water supply systems where vulnerabilities are identified," the agency added.

The NWC noted that the health ministry has not indicated any concerns with the water provided by the commission or has it issued any advisories recommending that Jamaicans boil their drinking water.

The commission pointed out that it does frequent sampling and testing of water from its sources and plants and the health ministry, as regulator, also conducts independent tests to ensure that the water provided to Jamaicans is clean, safe, and free of harmful contaminants.

"The MOHW also provides consultation services to the NWC on a regular basis, with a periodic session held in December 2024 and another such activity scheduled to be held within the next few weeks."

The NWC said it remains steadfast in its mission to provide Jamaica with clean potable water that they can consume and use without fear.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar