Consumers reminded to conserve water over the festive season
MORANT BAY, Jamaica – Christmas traditionally comes with an abundance of food, drinks and gifts, and lots of holiday cheer, among other treats.
However, the National Water Commission (NWC) is reminding householders and other consumers to be mindful of going overboard with their usage of water to avoid high bills when the festive Yuletide season passes.
Acting Community Relations Manager for the NWC’s Eastern Division, Ann Bolt, tells JIS News that, “people get a little bit overboard with the whole festive season.”
“There is a lot of cooking, a lot of cleaning [and] some persons are doing a little wash down of the yard. Just remember that while we want you to have that fun and that excitement, your water usage registers through your meter,” she points out.
Bolt therefore urges consumers to ensure they do not have any leaks and to fix any and every one they find, including small drips which she emphasises should not be overlooked.
She maintains that persons should be vigilant in identifying those leaks which are harder to find, such as those in toilet bowls.
“If you’re going to wash down an area, while in the soaping period, use a bucket during that time instead of keeping the hose continuously running. If you have stored water, utilise that in the first place and then you won’t have to have the pipes just running,” the Acting Manager encourages.
Regarding the preparation of sumptuous, delectable meals synonymous with the festive season, Bolt says consumers should turn off their pipes while doing so.
Likewise, “if you are showering and you are not ready to rinse, turn off the pipes,” she adds.
Bolt surmises that, “it’s not hard to conserve; and once you start practicing, it becomes second nature.”
She was among NWC executives participating in a customer appreciation event at the Commission’s Port Maria office in St Mary on December 12.
Customers were treated to refreshments, prizes and giveaways, as the NWC thanked them for their business.
Similar exercises are taking place throughout this week at NWC offices islandwide.
– JIS
