NWC says storage levels remain low despite recent rainfall

KINGSTON, Jamaica— The National Water Commission (NWC) says despite recent rainfall across sections of Kingston and St Andrew, storage levels remain significantly below those recorded during the corresponding periods in 2024 and 2025. According to NWC, the downpour provided a temporary slowing in the rate of decline at storage facilities impacted by the extended period of dry conditions. "The NWC recognises the optimism generated by the recent showers and appreciates the public's desire for an easing of the existing supply restrictions. However, the current storage position does not yet support a general return to unrestricted distribution," NWC said. Consequently, NWC said regulated water supply schedules will remain in effect in the affected service areas, as it continues to monitor reservoir inflows, storage recovery and production conditions. Reservoir storage levels as at October 11- Comparison of 2024, 2025 and 2026: Facility : Mona Reservoir 2024 - 100 per cent 2025 - 76.1 per cent 2026 - 36.3 per cent Facility : Hermitage Dam 2024 - 100 per cent 2025 - 100 per cent 2026 - 44.9 per cent The commission said it will continue to assess the situation and make adjustments to distribution arrangements as storage and production conditions permit.