Water Resources Act

The Water Resources Act in Jamaica was created to help manage and protect the country’s water resources. This law makes sure that people, businesses, and industries use water in a way that is safe, fair, and sustainable, without wasting or polluting it. The law also gives authority to a special government body, the Water Resources Authority (WRA), which is responsible for monitoring and managing all water resources across Jamaica, including rivers, streams, underground water, and reservoirs. Anyone who wants to use large amounts of water, such as for farming, building, or real estate development, needs to get permission from the WRA. This helps prevent overuse and ensures that there is enough clean water for everyone now and in the future. Globally, similar laws are in place to protect water resources in other countries, recognizing that clean and available water is critical for health, the environment, and economic activities.