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Hermitage Dam Falls to 31.4% as Kingston Water Is Rationed
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August 24, 2026
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6 min read
Jamaica · ENVIRONMENT
Key Facts
- —What happened Hermitage Dam fell to 31.4% capacity on 20 August, as Kingston water is rationed.
- —How big a drop The Mona Reservoir, serving much of the capital, stood at 55.8% on 7 August.
- —The real story Restrictions began 3 August on Mona and Hope networks due to reduced inflows from dry conditions.
- —The catch The 31.4% figure is a share of capacity, and the dam’s full volume is not on record.
- —Who it hits Mona network customers get water between 6am and 6pm, while Hope areas follow a rota.
- —What comes next The National Water Commission has not announced when restrictions will end.
The Mona Reservoir, serving much of the capital, held 55.8 per cent of capacity on 7 August. That was down from 58.1 per cent just days before.
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The Hermitage Dam has fallen to 31.4 per cent of capacity, according to Nationwide News Network, as Kingston water is rationed. The reading, dated 20 August 2026, was reported on Friday 21 August 2026.
Hermitage Dam Level Drops
The Hermitage Dam, one of two reservoirs serving Kingston and St Andrew, now holds 31.4 per cent of its capacity. Overall, this is a significant drop.
This figure comes from Nationwide News Network, which reported the reading on 21 August 2026. The Jamaica Observer, on the same day, referred to 31 per cent for the same week.
However, the 31.4 per cent figure with its 20 August date is the official one from Nationwide News Network. The reading was taken on Thursday 20 August 2026, as reported by Nationwide News Network.
However, the Jamaica Observer’s 31 per cent figure is not the official one.
Mona Reservoir Also Declining
Meanwhile, the Mona Reservoir stood at 55.8 per cent of capacity on 7 August 2026, according to the National Water Commission. That equals 451.4 million gallons of water.
This was a further decline; as a result, it fell from 58.1 per cent on Monday 3 August 2026. The figures were carried by Television Jamaica and Nationwide News Network.
The 7 August update showed a steady decline from 58.1 per cent on 3 August. Meanwhile, these figures are not tied to the 20 August Hermitage reading.
Restrictions Took Effect Early August
As a result, water supply regulations across sections of Kingston and Saint Andrew are now in effect. Nationwide 90FM reported this on 3 August 2026.
The measures, announced the previous week, took effect on that Monday. However, the restrictions apply to customers served by the Mona and Hope water supply networks.
The National Water Commission says they are necessary because of significantly reduced inflows caused by ongoing dry conditions. The restrictions apply only to customers on the Mona and Hope networks.
In addition, the commission cited reduced inflows from dry conditions as the reason.
Mona Network Schedule
Most customers on the Mona network will now receive supply between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Meanwhile, this schedule was reported by Nationwide 90FM on 3 August 2026.
In short, the affected areas include New Kingston, Cross Roads, Downtown Kingston, and many more. Overall, these cover seventeen neighborhoods and sections of Lady Musgrave Road.
The daily six-to-six schedule applies to most Mona network customers. However, the list of areas is complete and cannot be changed.
Hope Network Rota
On the Hope network, Gordon Town will be supplied from 6 a.m. to midday. And Kintyre from midday to 6 p.m. In addition, this was part of the 3 August 2026 report.
Meanwhile, August Town will be served on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Manley Avenue and Silvera Drive on Tuesdays and Fridays; Goldsmith Villa on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Gordon Town gets supply in the morning, while Kintyre gets it in the afternoon. Meanwhile, August Town, Manley Avenue, Silvera Drive, and Goldsmith Villa have specific days.
Areas With Unchanged Supply
Areas including Hope Road, Mona Heights, Papine, Tavern, Liguanea, Hopefield. Seymour and Elleston Flats will continue to receive water from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Still, this is daily.
Their supply hours were not changed. The National Water Commission, Jamaica’s state-owned water utility, set these restrictions.
It supplies piped water across the island. These areas continue with their normal supply hours, unchanged by the restrictions.
In addition, the commission’s decision does not affect their daily service.
Understanding the Reservoirs
The Hermitage Dam and Mona Reservoir are the two storage reservoirs serving the Kingston and St Andrew area. In fact, a percentage of capacity indicates how full the store is, not how much water reaches taps.
Inflows are the water running into a reservoir from its catchment, mainly from rainfall and streams. When inflows fall, the reservoir empties even if water use stays the same.
The percentage of capacity shows how full each reservoir is, not the actual water reaching taps. Meanwhile, inflows are the water from rainfall and streams that feed the reservoirs.
What This Means for Residents
Residents on the Mona network should plan for daily supply between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those on the Hope network have specific days and times. The restrictions are a response to dry conditions affecting inflows.
The commission has not announced when they will end. Residents on the Mona network have a daily supply window, while Hope network users have a rota.
However, the commission has not stated when the restrictions will end.
Hermitage Dam and Future Outlook
The Hermitage Dam’s level is a key indicator of water availability in the capital. However, the full holding capacity corresponding to the 31.4 per cent reading has not been published.
Therefore, the figure remains a percentage and cannot be converted into a volume of water. The commission has not provided forecasts for recovery.
The full capacity for the 31.4 per cent reading was not published, so the figure stays a percentage. In addition, no forecast for recovery has been provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current level of the Hermitage Dam?
The Hermitage Dam is at 31.4 per cent of capacity, as reported by Nationwide News Network on 21 August 2026. The reading was taken on 20 August 2026.
When did the water restrictions in Kingston start?
The restrictions took effect on Monday 3 August 2026. They were announced the previous week and apply to customers on the Mona and Hope networks.
Which areas are affected by the Mona network schedule?
Affected areas include New Kingston, Cross Roads, Downtown Kingston, Mountain View, Vineyard Town, and many others. Most customers receive supply from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Are there any areas where supply is unchanged?
Yes, areas like Hope Road, Mona Heights, Papine, Tavern, Liguanea, Hopefield. Seymour and Elleston Flats continue to get water from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Connected Coverage
- Jamaica Rural Water Plan Puts US$50 Million to Work
- Cost of Living in Jamaica 2026: Kingston on US$1,265–2,215 a Month
Sources: Nationwide News Network; Nationwide 90FM; Television Jamaica; Jamaica Observer; National Water Commission.
This article was drafted with automated assistance and reviewed before publication. How we use AI · Report an error
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