Car wash operators fear water restrictions could force closures

Portmore car wash operators say they could be forced to shut down or increase prices when restrictions on the use of National Water Commission (NWC) water take effect on August 17, questioning what alternatives will be available to businesses that depend on water to survive.

The prohibition comes as the Government moves to conserve dwindling water supplies amid worsening drought conditions. It will affect St Catherine, Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary, Portland and St Ann and remain in effect until further notice. Under the measure, NWC-supplied water cannot be used for several activities, including washing vehicles with a hose, watering lawns and gardens, filling swimming pools and washing roadways, pavements and garages.

While the measure does not explicitly order commercial car washes to close, it effectively removes access to the NWC supply for one of their primary business activities, leaving operators to consider alternative sources of water. Water Minister Matthew Samuda has acknowledged that commercial operations such as car washes could be disproportionately affected by the measure, but said conservation is necessary to maintain supplies for critical services, including schools ahead of their September reopening.

For car wash operator James, however, the impending restriction raises questions of fairness, particularly as he said his section of Portmore is not currently experiencing water supply problems.

“Why am I paying for the mistakes of the authorities who should ensure that we never run out of water?” he questioned. “We’re paying for water anyway, so whatever reason that shouldn’t have anything to do with me.”

The restriction is also coming at what James said should ordinarily be one of his busiest periods. During the hot, dry summer months, dustier roads generally mean dirtier vehicles and, for his business, more customers. This year, however, the usual rush has disappeared.

“If you look now, no car nuh deh yah, and usually you see people a roll in these times peak after-work hours,” he said. “I’ll have to shut down my business if this continues.” James currently has a 400-gallon water-storage tank, but said it offers little certainty if the prohibition remains in place for an extended period. He also argued that his customers could feel the effects.

“People depend on me, especially in this area where it’s mostly curbside parking, so they don’t typically have the resources to wash their vehicles at home,” he said. James said the prospect of further limitations on water use is particularly difficult to accept amid the intense heat and dry conditions.

“We’re miserable here. I don’t know about anywhere else in Jamaica, but Portmore is a different type of hell hot,” he said.

Another Portmore car wash operator Joe Wright said he accepts the need for conservation as the country grapples with drought.

“But if the authorities don’t have an answer and the only answer is for us to conserve, then where does that leave me as a businessman?” Wright questioned. “What am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to think of to keep my business going?”

Wright, who has operated the business alongside his two sons for more than 10 years, said those questions come at a time when customer numbers have already plummeted.

“Normally, [I get] over 20 cars for the day. Now, if I get five, I am blessed,” he said.

He is unsure whether publicity surrounding the impending restrictions has already discouraged motorists from washing their vehicles. But his biggest concern is the lack of clarity, he said, surrounding what happens on August 17.

“Dem say restriction, but what are the rules around the restriction? Will the water turn off at a certain time? Will we have access to trucked water? How do I go about getting that water? These are the things I want to know because this is my business mi nah make it go dung just so,” Wright said.

Even his 400-gallon storage tank, he said, might not last a week.

“So after that, what do I do?” he questioned.

And should he be required to purchase water to remain open, Wright said customers would likely have to absorb some of that cost.

“That’s unfair to everyone across the board what will happen to restaurants public spaces?” he said.

Wright said he understands that changing weather patterns are beyond anyone’s control, but believes authorities must provide businesses with clearer guidance on how they are expected to operate under the restrictions.

“If I can’t use the water, tell me what I can use and how I can get it,” he said.

The existing fine for breaching an NWC prohibition order is $1,000, while failure to pay a court-ordered fine can result in up to 30 days’ imprisonment. Samuda has indicated that the Government intends to seek tougher penalties.