Jamaica

Main Water Issues

Jamaica possess an ample supply of water, 78% of which has not been harnessed for use. Nevertheless, Jamaica has

the second-lowest rate of drinking water coverage, 81%, in the Caribbean. (WHO, 2000) Furthermore, other main water issues in Jamaica stem from the lack of control over development and agriculture, resulting in the pollution of water due to soil erosion, deforestation, the overuse of chemicals in the agricultural sector, and inappropriate sewage disposal. In fact, Jamaica lacks a full-coverage solid waste collection system and is plagued by industrial non-compliance with pollution regulations. In the agricultural sector, steep slopes and shallow soils are exacerbated by poor farming techniques that the UNEP ascribes to insecurity of land tenure and weak agricultural extension services. This pollution has had undoubtedly deleterious effects on the water supply quality—although research in this area is sparing—and has been linked to disease outbreaks, particularly during the dry season. In order to protect its water supply, Jamaica must develop legislative standards such as water quality standards and land use laws.

This information gathered from a national report created by the United Nations Environmental Program, which can be found here:

http://www.cep.unep.org/programmes/amep/GEF-IWCAM/Jamaica/jam.htm

Water Legislation

The Irrigation Act

Created: 1949

Last Amended/Revised: 1976

Water Resources Act

Act N° 36 of 1995

Description: A national law that legislates on water resources administration, abstraction, use, control, protection and quality.

Other Important Environmental Legislation

The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act

Act N° 9 of 1991

Last Amdended/Revised: 2000