Does aanyone know the reason why there is no water in the pipes? The water truck is doing its rounds but why is the mains water not working? My family in Great Bay have had no mains water for three days now and there was no warning of it being shut off either.

Cannot believe this. Where is our MP?

We've all been going through no water on the line due to the drought. I finally got some water on the main for a few hours last night just to loose it again this morning.

You may want to call The National Water Commission at 965-2301 or 399-1887 to voice your complaint.

If you call often enough and a lot of people call this will have impact.

Anyone got water in the line yet?

I had for a while last night but gone this morning.

Excuse me but what are people doing for water if they are renting a villa? We are coming down there in two days and we do not mind conserving water but we do mind not having any water whatsoever. This is not a joke and I would appreciate a serious answer.

No worries Brenda. As this is a common occurrence most all of us have a water storage tank (or two). And water can be purchased from a private company to be brought in if your tank is low.

The problem for many residents is the cost to purchase water is not cheap so as a resident getting water on "the main" can be a big problem. But for our guests coming to enjoy their holiday we have put in place systems that ensure you will have no interuptions in your water supply.

So don't worry Brenda and enjoy your stay!

What about the restaurants. I have never seen tanks near some of them. How can they wash plates or have restrooms that can be used.

Hi Brenda,
I've been visiting TB for more than 12 years and have been through the water situation good and bad. Never has it been a problem with everything being clean and nice. Like Rebecca says the community loves their visitors and they will do everything in their power to make you comfortable. I bet after your visit you will say what water issue? I'm a freak about things being clean and I've never been sick a day or felts uncomfortable. Don't worry yourself everything will be nice. Seriously all is goood in paradise. Enjoy!

I agree with Lynnette 100%. Jamaicans are festidious about not eating from anywhere that isn't clean. This is meant as a compliment. So any restaurant that is not kept up to the Jamaican standard of clean in the kitchen will quickly go out of business.

To repeat what Lynette said, "Don't worry yourself everything will be nice."

Is it ok to drink the water that comes from the truck and is stored in the tank or should you purchase bottled water as a precaution? I think we have done both in the past, but this got me to thinking that maybe water stored in a tank somewhere (most likely under the villa) probably isn't the best to drink.

Where is the political representative? [edited by TB.Net]

Successive government as fail to supply us with adequate source of water even thou Jamaica is dub land of wood and water ,Politician has continuously used the promise of water supply to fool voters when its election time but the problem never solve,St.Elizabeth has the Black River a great source of water why can they utilize it.

Water from a tank under the villa should be very safe to drink. if it is all rainwater then it will have no minerals and will be very soft. If it has piped water added it will contain minerals and will be harder. Both should be equally safe to drink.

I urge you not to buy bottled water. This is not only to save you money but to safeguard the environment. The plastic water bottles get thrown in a landfill or burned instead of being recycled. If you want a water bottle, bring one from home and refill it either with tap water or boiled water. You could bring two so one can stay in the fridge while you are walking around with the other one.

Check out the link http://bit.ly/14cpEFn update on water

Common Sense Conservation:

...it would be necessary to diversify the means of harvesting water which, among other things, should include rainwater harvesting for use in homes and small businesses; recycling wastewater for industry, agriculture and domestic use; preserving watersheds and groundwater sources by replenishing and replanting the forest cover; and keeping groundwater sources pollution free.
Robert Pickersgill (Water Minister)

Observer Link:
www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Jamaicans-urged-to-conserve-water_13949332


Drought Triggers Senate Support for Rainwater Harvesting
...based on population increase and global warming, global projections of fresh water resources are expected to come under increasing pressure in years to come and countries, like Jamaica, are particularly vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather patterns.

...nearly a third of the country's population does not have access to piped water and where it exists, due to limited catchment, storage, processing and distribution infrastructure and water lock-offs are routine during certain times of the year.
...in addition, the National Water Commission (NWC) has major operational challenges largely due to lack of resources, and the commission's infrastructure is old and has not kept pace with population increases.

..."The NWC has a master plan, but no money to implement it. Given all these reasons, I am not convinced that we can depend on the NWC to solve the country's water challenges in totality. In fact, given budget limitations and projections of reduced rainfall, it is imperative that we find other approaches to compliment, if not replace, our dependence on the NWC."
Dr Christopher Tufton (Opposition Minister)

...the rainwater-harvesting policy should be extended to include developments which have already been constructed. He also suggested that the National Environmental Planning Agency (NEPA) ensure that rainwater-harvesting systems be included in all its building approvals.
Robert Montague (Opposition Minister)

Observer Link:
www.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/main/Drought-triggers-Senate-support-for-rainwate r-harvesting_13778719