Water supply disrupted for several Old Harbour communities

The National Water Commission (NWC) has confirmed that the outage is due to a low-voltage problem with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo), which has impacted operations at the its Bowers Pen water facility. The technical fault has halted the pumping and distribution of water to several dependent communities.

"We have reported the matter to the power service provider and full operation will resume as soon as power supply is restored at the facility," a release from the NWC stated this morning. 

The disruption has cast a wide net, affecting customers in Bowers Pen, Bannister, and their immediate environs. The NWC also listed several other impacted areas, including sections of Old Harbour, Bowers Drive, Succaba Pen, Bodles, and the Rhone Park Housing Scheme. The scale of the outage suggests thousands of households and businesses could be without reliable water service until the issue is resolved.

The situation has caused considerable inconvenience for residents, many of whom are now forced to rely on stored water or seek alternative supplies. The disruption highlights the critical interdependence between utility services, where a fault in the electrical grid can swiftly cascade into a water crisis.

"The NWC regrets any inconvenience this disruption may cause and craves the patience and understanding of its valued customers," the utility company added.

There is no official timeline for restoration, as it is contingent on JPSCo resolving the low-voltage issue at the Bowers Pen facility. NWC crews are said to be on standby to recommence water distribution immediately once power is normalized.

Affected residents are advised to conserve water where possible and to monitor the NWC's official channels for further updates. Customers can also contact the NWC's customer care line for additional information regarding the outage.