The national water reserves of Mauritius have fallen to 49.6% as of November 5, 2026, according to the Government Information Service (GIS). This development has raised concerns about the country's water supply. The government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly the water intake at the La Marie station, which serves a part of the Plaines-Wilhems region.
The Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir, a strategic water source for the center of the island, has seen a significant decline, dropping to 33% as of November 5. In contrast, it was at 35.9% on October 6, 2026, and 88.6% on the same date in 2025. The water deficit in Mare-aux-Vacoas is estimated to be around 13 million cubic meters compared to the previous year.
To address the water shortage, the government is working to increase the water volume supplied to the La Marie treatment station. This aims to improve the water supply in the Plaines-Wilhems region. Additionally, measures such as drilling new wells and deploying mobile filtration units are being implemented to alleviate the situation.
The government has also received a significant number of applications for the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme, with 40,000 dossiers submitted. Of these, 27,000 visits or surveys have been conducted, and 17,000 eligible requests have been forwarded to the Development Bank of Mauritius. However, suppliers are requesting a revision of the Rs 15,000 aid, citing the rising cost of water tanks.
The situation is being closely monitored, with two ministers set to meet with suppliers to discuss their concerns. This meeting is separate from an investigation launched by the Competition Commission, which has not yet established any anti-competitive practices. The government continues to work on finding solutions to the water shortage.
The decline in water reserves has raised concerns about the country's ability to meet its water needs. The government is working to address the issue through various measures, including increasing water supply and implementing new projects. The situation will continue to be monitored closely.
The water shortage in Mauritius highlights the need for sustainable water management practices. The government is working to improve the country's water infrastructure and ensure a reliable water supply for its citizens. The effectiveness of the measures being implemented will be closely watched in the coming months.
Key points
- The national water reserves of Mauritius have fallen to 49.6% as of November 5, 2026.
- The Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir has dropped to 33%, a significant decline from 88.6% on the same date in 2025.
- The government is working to increase the water volume supplied to the La Marie treatment station to improve the water supply in the Plaines-Wilhems region.
