The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging Jamaicans to take precautions when consuming water, as Hurricane Melissa has severely disrupted potable water systems, especially in the western and southern regions of the island.
According to the Ministry, high turbidity, infrastructure damage, and prolonged power outages have hindered the ability of the National Water Commission (NWC) and Municipal Corporations to maintain consistent treatment and distribution of water supplies.
During a media briefing at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices on Saturday, November 1, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton said the Ministry will issue national advisories on water treatment, safe consumption practices, and testing for chlorine, residual, and turbidity levels.
He explained that Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) will carry out these tests at emergency shelters, hospitals, public health facilities, and schools to ensure compliance with safety standards and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
“Waterborne diseases can be a very dangerous issue,” Dr. Tufton said. “We are working with the NWC regarding the trucking of water and to ensure that we preserve the integrity of the food chain, both for food and water. In these times, diseases like leptospirosis and gastro-related ailments are frequent in these conditions.”
The Ministry is coordinating closely with the NWC and other partners to restore safe and reliable water access as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, citizens are being urged to treat all water before drinking or cooking and to follow official advisories issued by health authorities to prevent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses.
