Reservoir Levels Drop to 64%: A Growing Drought Concern

Signs indicated that the period of drought is upon us, as water reservoirs are beginning to run low. For instance, La Nicolière and Mare-aux-Vacoas, which were at full capacity in June, are currently filled to only 64% and 88%, respectively.

This trend is not isolated; numerous reservoirs are reporting lower levels compared to the same time last year.

For example, Piton-du-Milieu was brimming with water on July 6, 2023, but has since dropped to 88% full as of Tuesday, August 6.

The Central Water Authority (CWA) acknowledged that the declining water levels in reservoirs also signal diminishing groundwater supplies.

This troubling situation has arisen due to a significant lack of rainfall over the past month. According to data from the Vacoas meteorological station, July was the driest month recorded since 1904.

Typically, the island averages 132 mm of rainfall during this time, but this year, only 50 mm—the equivalent of just 36% of the expected precipitation—has been recorded.

The northern and western regions of the island have been particularly hard hit, while the islands of Rodrigues and Agaléga are also experiencing rainfall shortages.

Forecasts suggested that the end of winter will remain dry. CWA data indicating that water levels in the reservoirs began declining in early July.

CWA technicians have organized several national and regional meetings to assess the situation and devise a plan, knowing that significant rain may not arrive for another five to six months.

They are tasked with preparing for the dry season ahead.

In response to the dwindling water supply, the Ministry of Public Services has activated its Water Resources Monitoring Committee, which includes representatives from several institutions, such as the CWA, the Water Resources Unit, the meteorological services, and the Irrigation Authority.

They have convened multiple meetings, during which meteorological representatives provided updates on the weather forecasts for the coming months.

A comprehensive plan is currently in the works to mitigate any potential water shortages.

It is evident that this winter has been considerably drier than the previous year, and residents should brace for challenging months ahead.

Source: l’Express