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WATER CRUNCH - Drought drives up costs for car washes, laundries

September 02, 2026 | News
The severe drought conditions currently affecting the island have resulted in increased operating costs for water-related businesses in the Corporate Area as they seek alternative sources of supply to comply with prohibition orders and water-use restrictions. David Chambers, manager at Mountain Ridge Auto Spa on Mountain View Avenue in St Andrew, said the car wash had to pass on the additional expense to customers. “With rent, light, and utilities, I couldn’t cushion that, so I have to put on something,” he said.
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Michael Barnett washes a car with water from one of his tanks at his Kingston Gardens Public Car Wash in central Kingston on Tuesday.
Updated 17 hours ago

WATER CRUNCH - Drought drives up costs for car washes, laundries

The severe drought conditions currently affecting the island have resulted in increased operating costs for water-related businesses in the Corporate Area as they seek alternative sources of supply to comply with prohibition orders and water-use restrictions. David Chambers, manager at Mountain Ridge Auto Spa on Mountain View Avenue in St Andrew, said the car wash had to pass on the additional expense to customers. “With rent, light, and utilities, I couldn’t cushion that, so I have to put on something,” he said.

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