The National Water Commission (NWC) is reporting that water restrictions have been eased for areas supplied by the Hermitage/Constant Spring water supply system.

According to the NWC, this has been attributed to the recent increase in rainfall.

In August, the NWC informed that customers served by the Hermitage Dam and the Constant Spring Water Treatment Plant would face water restrictions due to low levels at the facilities.

Additional hours

Charles Buchanan, corporate public relations manager at the NWC, told The Gleaner that customers can expect to receive service for an additional two hours daily between 5:00 a.m. and midday.

Restrictions on night-time service have also been eased and most customers will have access to water between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Still some low pressure

However, the times may vary depending on the location of some customers.

Mr. Buchanan said some communities, including Diamond Road and Wireless Station Road in Stony Hill, are still experiencing low water pressure.

Mr. Buchanan said the recent heavy rains, along with the showers brought on by Hurricane Ernesto, have significantly raised the water levels in the Hermitage Dam.

"Early to middle August we had Hermitage storage reservoir at 37 per cent of its capacity. Currently, it is in the region of just over 50 per cent," he said.

Despite the increase in the water level, Mr. Buchanan is reminding that restrictions have not been lifted entirely.