Reservoir Levels Reach 50%: Urgent Action Required

A new program aimed at managing water reservoirs is nearing completion, with details expected to be announced by Minister of Public Utilities Patrick Assirvaden coming Tuesday, January 14.

“We are aware that the water levels in our reservoirs have reached concerning lows and continue to decline.

Current reports indicated that the levels have fallen below 50% of their normal capacity.

Even more alarming is the delayed arrival of the heavy rains, which is not only exacerbating the depletion of reservoirs but also leading to a depletion of groundwater resources,” explained a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Utilities.

In response to this critical situation, the ministry is preparing to implement significant measures to ensure that the population has access to water for both personal and industrial needs.

The Central Water Authority (CWA), responsible for water distribution, and the Water Resources Commission, which oversees reservoir management, are each developing plans to manage water resources.

These plans will be submitted to the Minister of Public Utilities and must address the country’s requirements for irrigation, manufacturing industries, and maintaining normal economic operations.

As of January 11, the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir was at 49.9% of its capacity, Nicolière at 40.3%, Piton-du-Milieu at 46%, La Ferme at 28%, Mare-Longue at 61.5%, Bagatelle Dam at 44.8%, and Midlands Dam at 42.6%.

According to meteorological data, the rainfall recorded between January 9 & 10 was less than 1 mm across most regions of the island, with the exception of Nouvelle-Découverte, which received 1.2 mm, and Queen Victoria, which recorded 2.2 mm.

Source: Le Mauricien