Desalination Studied for St Thomas and Clarendon, Not Islandwide

Kingston, Jamaica, 21 August 2026

The Government is studying whether small desalination plants in St Thomas and Clarendon could help ease water shortages, but has ruled out turning seawater into drinking water on a national scale because of the cost to households and businesses.

Two parishes under study

Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda disclosed that feasibility work is under way in the two parishes. Speaking in an interview at his ministry’s St Andrew offices on 12 August, he said a nationwide programme would push up the average water tariff paid by homes and commercial customers, and could also carry environmental costs.

Desalination strips salt and other minerals from seawater so it can be used for drinking, farming and industry. The minister said the Government remained open to using it in a targeted way in water-stressed communities, where it could supplement existing supplies and where drawing in seawater would do little environmental harm.

Linked to renewable energy

A key feature of the approach is that any plant would be paired with an energy project. The studies are tied to a proposed pumped hydro storage system in which solar-powered equipment would draw up seawater and pump it into a reservoir. Releasing that water to a lower reservoir would generate electricity, and the power produced would help cover the cost of removing salt through reverse osmosis.

The timeline is long. According to Mr Samuda, the project is at the feasibility stage now, with engineering work expected next year and procurement hoped for by 2028.

What it means for homeowners and developers

Reliable water is one of the first questions buyers, builders and lenders ask about a location, and communities with chronic supply problems often struggle to attract new housing. If the studies lead to working plants, parts of St Thomas and Clarendon could eventually gain a steadier supply, which would support both existing homes and future development.

For now, however, residents in dry areas should not expect a quick fix. With engineering and procurement still years away, rainwater harvesting, storage tanks and careful water use will remain essential for households, particularly those building or repairing homes after Hurricane Melissa. Anyone buying property in water-stressed districts would be wise to factor in the cost of storage and alternative supply.