Mauritius’ Reservoirs at 40% Capacity: A Call to Action

The water reservoirs across Mauritius are currently only 40% full, leading to imminent restrictions on water distribution. This issue is a recurring challenge, particularly during the dry season, prompting authorities to “shut the taps” as they wait for better conditions. However, experts are calling for actionable solutions to prevent this situation from becoming a yearly crisis.

Hydrologist Farook Mowlabaccus has emphasized the critical nature of the water supply challenges facing the nation and discussed potential solutions that have been on the table for years.

He mentioned that a plan to mobilize additional water resources was initiated in 1996, which included the construction of five reservoirs, with the last one expected to be completed by 2040.

While the Midlands reservoir was completed on schedule, the Bagatelle reservoir faced significant delays, and the Rivière-des-Anguilles reservoir has yet to be constructed 15 years after it was first proposed.

Mowlabaccus noted that if the Rivière-des-Anguilles reservoir had been built as planned, it would have alleviated pressure on the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir by supplying the southeast, south, and southwest regions of the island.

He stressed that as long as the promised reservoirs remain unbuilt, the situation is unlikely to improve.

“The situation is problematic given that the reservoirs that were supposed to be built have not been completed nearly thirty years after the initial plan was proposed,” he lamented.

Other proposed projects, such as two additional reservoirs in the north and west, have similarly not materialized.

Mowlabaccus pointed out that the water resource management plan originally estimated the population would grow to 1.6 million, while it currently stands at 1.2 million.

Although domestic water demand has not surged as anticipated, industrial needs remain high.

The Bagatelle reservoir was intended to supply Port Louis and nearby areas like Quatre-Bornes, Beau-Bassin, and Rose-Hill during dry spells. However, Mowlabaccus expressed disappointment that these plans have not been executed.

Water Loss Concerns

Another pressing concern raised is the high water loss rate, which currently stands at 62%.

Mowlabaccus explained that reducing this loss could significantly enhance the situation at the reservoirs.

“For every 100 gallons sent to consumers, 60 to 70 gallons are lost in the pipes, meaning only 30 to 40 gallons reach the intended users,” he highlighted.

To tackle this challenge, he insists on the importance of proactive measures:

“We need more effective management not only at the reservoir level but also within the distribution infrastructure.”

With a change in government administration, he hopes for concrete actions to be taken.

Mowlabaccus calls for an increase in funding for the Central Water Authority (CWA) to repair faulty pipes and establish a robust maintenance plan.

He also advocated for raising water tariffs, noting that Mauritius has relatively low water prices compared to other regions.

An increase in tariffs would provide the CWA with more funds to repair and replace outdated infrastructure.

“There is no magic solution. However, if we do not take immediate action to fix existing infrastructure, the situation will only worsen.”

Geological Assets and Challenges

Prem Saddul, a geomorphologist and former chairman of CWA, addressed the challenges of water management in Mauritius from a geological perspective.

As a volcanic island, Mauritius has unique geological characteristics that support water infiltration and hydrological flow.

“With adequate rainfall to meet our needs, these features could work in our favor,” Saddul stated.

The island boasts 52 rivers and five major aquifers replenished by rainfall, contributing to the natural storage of groundwater.

However, a significant paradox exists: despite an average annual rainfall of 4,000 mm in the central plateau catchment areas, the CWA only captures 9% of this water.

“Every year, over 100 million cubic meters of freshwater flow into the sea,” Saddul noted, pointing out a structural issue in water resource management exacerbated by a daily consumption rate of 170 liters per person.

Optimizing Water Capture and Storage

To enhance water storage capabilities, Saddul advocated for improved rainwater harvesting and storage systems, taking cues from Rodrigues, where such practices are more established.

“Unfortunately, in Mauritius, rainwater collection has not been widely adopted. A genuine effort in education is needed on this issue,” he asserted.

He emphasized that effective governance is crucial in addressing water resource management, stating:

“The issue is not climatic or geographic, but rather a governance crisis,” and referring to the International Monetary Fund’s findings that attribute Mauritius’ water issues largely to poor management.

Addressing Water Stress

Saddul disagrees with projections suggesting Mauritius may face water stress by 2025, as outlined in the UN report “SIDS in Numbers 2017.”

“I do not agree that we are or will be under water stress. The problem lies solely in inadequate governance,” he said.

He acknowledged that climate change and weather variations impact rainfall, but remains optimistic that proper governance and a clear vision for the future can address these challenges effectively.

He contrasted Mauritius with Israel, a nation receiving 50% less rainfall yet able to provide its population with round-the-clock drinking water.

Saddul asserted that proper management of water resources and appropriate infrastructure could solve water issues even under less favorable climatic conditions.

Climate Change and Wastewater Management

Saddul also addressed the impact of climate change, leading to extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and flash floods, which affect runoff and infiltration patterns.

Nonetheless, he notes that the island’s geological features are advantageous for managing these challenges.

“Our geology, morphology, and hydraulic gradient facilitate the rapid flow of excess surface water into our rivers and quick infiltration into our aquifers,” he explained.

However, he warned against excessive urbanization, stressing the need to halt concrete expansion and prioritize reforestation instead of deforestation.

These measures would help maintain the natural hydrological balance and mitigate flood risks and water evaporation.

On the topic of wastewater management, Saddul revealed that more than 80% of wastewater is discharged into the sea.

With the appropriate technology, this water could be reused for agricultural irrigation.

He also pointed out that over 20% of water used for irrigation is wasted.

“Investing in more efficient water management technologies is essential to prevent waste,” he concluded.

In light of these insights, it is clear that a multifaceted approach involving infrastructure improvements, better governance, and innovative water management strategies is crucial for ensuring a sustainable water future in Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media