The Central Water Authority (CWA) of Mauritius has reduced daily water withdrawals from its primary Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir to stretch dwindling supplies through December. The reservoir currently stands at 36.6% capacity, prompting the CWA to cut daily output from 110,000 cubic meters to 75,000 cubic meters for supplied regions. This move aims to mitigate the impact of dwindling water resources.
The CWA's decision is driven by concerns over long-term water scarcity in Mauritius. The United Nations and World Bank project that the island nation could shift from "water-stressed" to "water-scarce" by 2030 due to declining rainfall, rising demand, and infrastructure leaks. This projection underscores the need for sustainable water management practices.
To alleviate pressure on Mare-aux-Vacoas, the CWA plans to utilize alternative resources. The Mare Longue reservoir, at 80.3% capacity, could provide supplementary water supplies. The CWA intends to channel approximately 15,000 cubic meters daily into the La Marie treatment station. Additionally, officials are exploring the potential of drawing water from the Pétrin and Papayes rivers.
The CWA has acquired 15 pressure filtration units and a pump for the Papayes project, which could yield between 2,000 and 3,000 cubic meters per day. The authority is also engaging private borehole owners to secure backup support in case of emergencies. This collaborative approach aims to bolster the island's water resilience.
In conjunction with these efforts, the CWA is taking a firm stance against water wastage. Reports of ongoing misuse have prompted the authority to schedule a high-level meeting with the police to enforce restrictions. Offenders will face statutory fines, and contractual repair teams have been deployed to tackle network leaks across the island.
Long-term solutions are being advocated by experts, including Prem Saddul, a geomorphologist and former CWA chairman. Saddul recommends a comprehensive preventative framework starting in January 2027, focusing on cost-effective groundwater drilling and urgent infrastructure overhauls to address system leakages. This approach aims to mitigate recurring water deficits.
The CWA's strategy involves balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability. By combining supply restrictions, alternative resource utilization, and infrastructure upgrades, the authority aims to ensure a stable water supply for the island nation. The effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored as Mauritius navigates its water challenges.
Key points
- The CWA has reduced daily water withdrawals from Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir from 110,000 cubic meters to 75,000 cubic meters.
- Mauritius could shift from "water-stressed" to "water-scarce" by 2030 due to declining rainfall, rising demand, and infrastructure leaks.
- The CWA is exploring alternative water sources, including the Pétrin and Papayes rivers, and engaging private borehole owners for backup support.
