Can anyone explain the law as it relates to digging wells on private property? This is for domestic and/or agri purposes.

Anyone can dig (or have dug) a well on his/her own property for his/her domestic use. I THINK that includes farming irrigation, but I'd suggest some exploration with gov't. I can probably dig up the name of the agency we dealt with when we built Hikaru, but someone else may have more up-to-date information.

I can tell you that Hood_daniel on Spur Tree may be agood company to contact as that is their business, they are pros and they probably already know the info re laws etc.

Thanks for your input. I may be able to continue from here.

There is a requirement under Jamaican law to hold a licence issued by the Water Resources Authority prior to digging a new well or reopening an existing one, anywhere in Jamaica, for any use. There are severe penalties for breach of this law. One concern which prompts the licensing requirment is that wells which are dug too deeply, or improperly sealed, and/or located near cesspits or other contaminants risk contamination and/or depletion of the aquifers.