Community Perceptions of Non-Municipal Drinking Water Safety in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Jamaica: Policy Gaps and Implications for Sustainable Development

A significant gap exists between community perceptions and actual safety of non-municipal drinking water sources in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Jamaica. While half of respondents believed their untreated spring or tributary water was safe, widespread contamination risks—including incorrect disinfection practices and inconsistent supply—were identified through a census survey of 56 households. Low policy awareness (only 18% familiar with national frameworks) underscores governance failures, despite existing legislation like the Water Resource Act 1995. The study highlights urgent needs for improved monitoring, community education, and intersectoral policies to align with Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring equitable access to safe water by 2030.

(Ed.). (2026). Community Perceptions of Non-Municipal Drinking Water Safety in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Jamaica: Policy Gaps and Implications for Sustainable Development. Texila Advanced Journal of Multidisciplinary Health Research, 06(01). https://doi.org/10.21522/tajmhr.2016.06.01.art011