NWC keeps water restrictions as Mona Reservoir and Hermitage stay low

The National Water Commission is retaining water restrictions in affected Corporate Area service areas, saying recent rainfall has not restored enough storage for a general return to unrestricted supply.

The Gleaner reported the commission’s assessment on October 12. Its storage figures relate to October 11, when Mona Reservoir stood at 36.3% and Hermitage Dam at 44.9%. These are separate observations at the two facilities, not a combined measure for the capital’s entire water system.

The NWC said showers had temporarily reduced the rate at which storage was falling following an extended period of dry conditions. That improvement has not erased the accumulated shortfall. Levels at both facilities remain significantly below the corresponding periods in 2024 and 2025.

The commission acknowledged the public’s optimism after the rain and the desire for restrictions to be eased. Its present assessment, however, is that the stored supply is still insufficient to restore unrestricted distribution generally.

Regulated water-supply schedules therefore remain in effect in the affected areas. The announcement continues existing restrictions; it does not describe a new round of restrictions or establish a date when they will end.

The NWC is monitoring reservoir inflows, storage recovery and production conditions. Inflows refer to water entering the storage facilities, while production conditions concern the water system’s ability to make supply available for distribution.

The commission said it would reassess distribution arrangements and adjust them as storage and production conditions permit. It urged customers to conserve water and maintain adequate household storage even while rainy conditions continue.

For customers, the immediate position remains scheduled supply. The NWC’s next adjustments depend on the recovery of the system it is monitoring, rather than a general reopening prompted by the recent showers.