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The importance of water allocation in Jamaica The importance of water allocation for all users Water is needed by everyone for different uses (e.g. domestic, industrial, or agricultural). However water is a limited natural resource which is replenished at a certain rate. Simply put, if the rate of use exceeds the rate of natural replenishment then there will be less water for everyone until there is no water for everyone. The Water Resources Authority (WRA) ensures that the rate of use does not exceed the rate of natural replenishment by granting licences which limit the rate at which users may abstract water. Water is a fundamental survival need of mankind. In fact, denying people access to water is tantamount to denying them a basic human right. Still, about one billion people around the world do not have access to safe drinking water. In developing countries, especially in small island states such as Jamaica, water assumes great importance in sustainable development. Although water is an economic resource, its availability is intrinsically related to the question of affordability by the public at large. This website examines the issues related to water accessibility, supply, demand, management and governance in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The development of new water supply schemes in Jamaica is being carried out by a private company, Carib Engineering Corporation Limited, while the distribution of water, maintenance works and minor water supply and sewage systems are the responsibility of the National Water Commission, a public sector organisation. Continued good governance is needed to make water more accessible to the public in Jamaica. Public and private sector efforts are required to educate the public regarding the misuse of water, the reuse of household wastewater and the recycling of industrial wastewater. A multi-partisan committee consisting of members of the public, community leaders and private and public sector representatives would ensure the free and fair distribution of water, transparency in dealings and the appropriate settlement of disputes at the national level. These initiatives are expected to contribute positively towards the equitable distribution and utilisation of water resources in this Caribbean island state. Allocation is the main tool for management via the issue of licences. licences are issued for five (5) years after which renewal is due. Licences are currently issued by the WRA for the abstraction of groundwater. With the new Water Resources Act in place, users of surface water will also have to obtain licences.