Public Health Alert: Water Quality in Corporate Area Under Scrutiny. KINGSTON, Jamaica—The National Water Commission (NWC) has assured the public that the water supplied to Kingston and St. Andrew is safe and of high quality.
The statement responds to allegations made by Jesse James Clarke. Clarke is the People’s National Party Councilor for the Trafalgar division of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation.
Public Health Alert. Mr. Clarke has asserted that the NWC provides unsafe water to residents, particularly those in rural areas. As a result, he advised residents to boil their water before drinking it.
Clark, who chairs the Public Health and Sanitation Committee at the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), recently visited several treatment plants and rural water facilities. He stated that tests indicated elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria in some areas. Clarke said some samples exceeded the acceptable limit of five percent testing positive.
He urged residents to boil their water and called on Minister of Water Matthew Samuda to fix the issue urgently.
Public health alert. Clark asserted that immediate action is necessary to enhance treatment processes, including the implementation of better chlorination and filtration systems. He characterized the situation as a “public health emergency.” Further, Clarke urged the government to assign resources for essential upgrades at smaller water treatment facilities.
Public health alert: NWC Confirms Safe Water Amid Health Concerns
Conversely, the National Water Commission (NWC) firmly rejected those claims. They stated that their water supply is continuously monitored and tested. This is done in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). International standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are also followed.
Public health alert. The NWC assured residents that the water was safe for consumption. They emphasized that the MOHW has not advised the public to boil water.
The commission highlighted that its Constant Spring system, which serves as a major water source for Kingston and St. Andrew, operates within all regulatory standards. Furthermore, it pointed out that the water from the Seaview plant has received recognition. For several years, it has been known as the best-tasting water in the Caribbean.
Public health alert. The NWC acknowledged that small rural water systems sometimes face challenges due to high runoff and agricultural activities. But, the NWC assured the public that it proactively addresses any vulnerabilities. The commission also emphasized that both the NWC and the MOHW conduct independent water quality tests to guarantee safety.
Mr. Clarke mentioned sample that exceeds limit of Fecal matter, was this factual?
Thanks so for your question. Honestly, I don’t have the answer. However, Mr. Clarke did say the tests were done by the KSAMC and the records are there.