The National Water Commission
The NWC supplies 190 million gallons of potable water each day to more than 400,000 registered accounts — representing about 2 million people across Jamaica. Over the last five decades, the growth of the industrial sector and the establishment of new residential communities in St. Andrew, St. Catherine and parishes islandwide have steadily increased the demand for potable water.
In response, the NWC has expanded customer service centres and payment facilities islandwide, modernized its commercial offices, invested in enhanced information technology, and strengthened staff training in customer relations — all while working continuously to reduce complaints across every area of service delivery.
Recognizing the need for further improvement, the NWC has embarked on an ambitious Transformation Programme aimed at making it the leading water services utility in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Serving Jamaica since 1980
Get to know us better
Explore our corporate profile, meet the leadership team, or read the Act that established us.
Over 250 years of water in Jamaica
The Hope Estate aqueduct
Roger Hope Elleston, owner of The Hope Estate, constructs an open aqueduct carrying surplus water from his property to the town of Kingston — one of the island's earliest organized water supplies.
The aqueduct falls silent
After falling into disrepair, the Hope aqueduct's operation is discontinued — but the idea of piped water for Jamaica's towns had taken root.
Falmouth Water Works Company
With the Martha Brae River as its source, the Falmouth Water Works Company is established to supply the town of Falmouth and visiting ships — one of the first piped water supply systems in the entire Western Hemisphere.
The NWC is born
Governed by The National Water Commission Act (1980), the NWC is formally established through the amalgamation of the Kingston and St. Andrew Water Commission and the rurally focused National Water Authority — bringing the island's major systems under one authority.
Jamaica's primary water provider
The NWC supplies more than 2 million people with water service daily, and over half a million of those with wastewater services — while pursuing a Transformation Programme to lead the region.
Regulators & Partners
In addition to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the provisions of the NWC Act, the National Water Commission is regulated in different areas and to different degrees by a number of entities — including the Factories Act.
Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation
Portfolio ministry
Water Resources Authority
Surface & sub-surface water resources
Office of Utilities Regulation
Utility rates & standards
Ministry of Health & Wellness
Water quality & public health
National Environment & Planning Agency
Environmental compliance
Bureau of Standards Jamaica
National standards
Ministry of Labour & Social Security
Labour & workplace oversight
The National Water Commission Act (1980)
Founding legislation · PDF