‘Nature for Water’

Exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century

WORLD WATER Day is celebrated annually across the globe today (March 22) t o focus attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. It is a day to celebrate water and to remind people about the significance of fresh water as well as to promote sustainability for water resources management. This year’s theme, ‘Nature for Water’, will focus on exploring nature-based solutions to address the water challenges we face in the 21st century.

Nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of our water challenges, but we need to do much more with ‘green’ infrastructure (approach to water management that mimics the natural water cycle) and harmonize it with ‘grey’ infrastructure (pipes, pumps, etc made by man) wherever possible. Planting trees to replenish forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands is a sustainable and cost-effective way to rebalance the water cycle, mitigate the effects of climate change, and improve human health and livelihoods.

The Government, through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and more specifically, through the water policy and monitoring branch, recognises the importance of water as a vital resource.

To this end, the Government has accelerated activities to revise and update the 2004 Water Sector Policy, Strategies and Action Plan. The overall policy aim is to provide universal access to potable water to all Jamaicans by 2030, in keeping with the Government’s Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan.

Major additions to the policy include a strong commitment to integrated water resources management, the use of rainwater harvesting system, and efforts to ensure that the sector adapts to climate change and is resilient to climate variability.

The draft policy also divides the country in utility service areas (USA) and non-utility service areas ( NUSA) to provide for better planning. USA are parts of the country where piped water supplied by a utility service provider is the least-cost method of providing water supply, while NUSA are parts of the country where piped water supplied by a utility service provider is not the leastcost method.

The National Water Commission (NWC) is the main provider of potable water and sewerage services in USA, and produces over 90 per cent of potable water from two major sources – surface and groundwater. The Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL), a government-owned engineering company, is expected to augment coverage in NUSA.

In an effort to utilise naturebased solutions to address water and other related challenges, the ministry, through its agencies, has undertaken various projects that utilise green technology. For example, the NWC has been undertaking eco-friendly initiatives, through various energy efficiency and renewable initiatives in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) SDG No. 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG No. 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Projects being implemented by the NWC are also aligned with Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan, which are underpinned by the National Energy Policy: 20092030 and Water Sector Policies.

Recently, the NWC entered into a partnership, via a MOU, with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica to undertake the design and construction of a 15.0MW floating solar PV grid tie system at the NWC’s 800MG Water Storage Mona Reservoir Facility in St Andrew. Procurement activities relating to the engagement of engineering consultancy services to undertake a feasibility study of the project is now under way. Commissioning of the system is scheduled for 2021.

Like the NWC, the RWSL has undertaken numerous projects that are geared to providing sustainable solutions to the water and wastewater challenges the country faces. These projects include, but are not limited to, the development of rainwater harvesting systems and potable water supply systems. Through its Rainwater Harvesting Programme, numerous systems have been implemented across the island. Several schools have been equipped with small rainwater harvesting systems. In some cases, these systems, inclusive of septic tanks and reed beds, have been implemented, demonstrating the company’s commitment t o sustainable solutions to meet the water and wastewater needs of Jamaica. Water Policy & Monitoring Branch

Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation