In keeping with powers under the law and regulations relating to its operations, the National Water Commission (NWC) has now moved to make it a prosecutable offence to either waste water or use excessive amounts of its potable water for non-essential purposes.
This is in light of the prevailing drought conditions affecting sections of the island.
The NWC states that more stringent water conservation measures must now be observed and the limited potable water that is available should be reserved for essential uses such as drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and sanitation.
Among the offences that are to be punishable by a fine imposed by the parish courts after conviction or, for failing to pay the fine, imprisonment for up to thirty days are: watering of gardens, lawns, grounds and farms and refilling of tanks, ponds, or swimming pools and/or for use other than normal domestic services;
The prohibition order takes legal effect from May 24.
