West End Water Situation

[Rob]

Every possible option has, is, been and being explored. When you don't have water, things get critical real fast.

[Corey K]

Every possible option has, is, been and being explored. When you don't have water, things get critical real fast.

What has been the barrier to drilling wells then?

[Rob]

What has been the barrier to drilling wells then?

People are collecting rainwater and those with natural springs use them also. But not for cooking. washing dishes, bathing or drinking purposes.

Forgetting about all the legality, permits and red tape involved in drilling new wells, let us look at the concept of a well source of water for the community vs. water delivery by truck.

First of all, with a well, you are replacing the gas power of a truck with the foot power of people. Whereas a truck can deliver hundreds of gallons of water to a residence, by foot you can carry two buckets of water.

Secondly, there is the issue of water quality. Well or spring water can look crystal clear yet contain microbes that can cause illnesses of all kinds. That is why the water from the pipe is treated by the NWC first. You are taking an unnecessary risk by using any source other than the NWC.

I used to take "showers" from a bucket that was from collected rain water back in the early 90's. I would set bottles with funnels out in the middle of the yard for driinking water. But this is 2024. There are water treatment plants and water pipes in place to get the safe, clean water to the people.

Negril raises 1/3 of the tourism dollars for Jamaica. We gave the government US$1.3 BILLION last year and we cannot get water in our pipes? We don't want to take a step back 30 years and use untreated water.