Community Perceptions of Non-Municipal Drinking Water Safety in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Jamaica: Policy Gaps and Implications for Sustainable Development
Abstract:
This
research explored community perceptions of non-municipal drinking water safety
and quality in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Jamaica, and examined policy
gaps in water quality management. A census survey was conducted among fifty-six
households in Bottom Dublin Castle and Pear Tree two rural localities that
relies exclusively on entombed springs and tributaries domestic water use. The
study aimed to assess residents’ perceptions of the safety of these sources and
to identify implications for public health and sustainable development. A total
of 56
household interviews were included, targeting heads of households as respondents, data were
collected using interviews with participants then rresponses were recorded on structured questionnaires
and
analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. The mains findings are widespread reliance on untreated water,
with households expressing concerns about contamination, inconsistent supply,
and inadequate government support. Although most households attempted
disinfection, primarily through chlorine bleach, incorrect dosing and reliance
on visual cues limited effectiveness. Reported illnesses, including
gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions, highlighted epidemiological
risks associated with unsafe practices. Perceptions of safety were mixed, with
half of respondents believing their water was safe despite evidence of
contamination risks. Policy awareness was low, with only 18% of respondents
familiar with national water frameworks, underscoring governance gaps. Despite
Jamaica’s Water Resource Act 1995 and Water Sector Policy 2002, rural
non-municipal supplies remain excluded from surveillance and regulation. According to the
results the study provides baseline data for
policymakers and stakeholders like emphasizing the need for intersectoral policies,
improved monitoring, and community education, sstrengthening rural water governance is
essential to reduce health risks, ensure equity in access, and align Jamaica’s
water management strategies with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls
for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.
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