Mauritius’ Water Reserves Dwindle Below 40%

The water level in seven reservoirs is set to drop below the critical 40% mark tomorrow, despite heavy rainfall that has graced various parts of the country over the past 72 hours. Unfortunately, these brief downpours have not sufficed to alleviate the ongoing water crisis, prompting the Water Resources Unit (WRU) to tighten water restrictions in a bid to conserve the scant resources available.

However, optimism may be on the horizon as the 2024/25 cyclone season approaches.

Two potential tropical storms, named Elvis and Faida, are anticipated to develop in the region over the coming days, which could signal a shift in weather patterns.

Record-breaking temperatures have gripped the island, particularly in the western regions.

In Médine, the Vacoas weather station recorded a high of 36°C earlier this month.

This scorching heat combined with the water crisis has created a volatile situation, leading to desperation among hundreds of families forced to endure days, even weeks, without access to this essential resource.

In Bambous, residents can be seen lugging heavy water cans along the roads.

Water trucks provide a temporary solution for the village, which has suffered from chronic water shortages for years.

Compounding the situation, La Ferme reservoir, which supplies the village, is currently only 24.7% full and will become unusable when levels drop below 15% due to water quality concerns.

Other reservoirs, such as Midlands Dam (38.9%), Bagatelle Dam, and La Nicolière, are also expected to dip below 40% in the coming days if unpredictable weather patterns persist.

Normally, navigating the streets during heavy rain is difficult, involving dodging puddles and risking muddy splashes from passing vehicles.

However, with reservoir levels falling by 3% each week, residents are increasingly praying for rain.

Their hopes may soon be realized; the Indian Ocean basin is currently influenced by a tropical convergence zone, also known as the Monsoon Trough, situated around 9°S.

According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), cyclogenesis could occur this week, creating conditions conducive to convective clouds and disturbances.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation as predicted tropical waves may enhance regional weather patterns.

The Regional Specialized Meteorological Center for Cyclones in Réunion (CMRS) reported that two potential tropical storms, Elvis and Faida, which have yet to be officially named, could reach tropical storm status within the next two days, moving southward at an uncertain distance from the island of Europa and the coast of Madagascar in Toliara province.

Rainwater Harvesting: A Critical Initiative

In light of the ongoing water crisis, the government aims to enhance water supply services across regions by replacing defective pipes.

This initiative was announced by Dharam Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, during the presentation of the government program for 2025-2029, also including a revision of the National Water Policy and the National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan.

While this is encouraging, it remains crucial to scrutinize the government’s concrete plans to promote rainwater harvesting among households, schools, and businesses for non-potable uses.

Heavy rainfall will inevitably impact the island, but without effective measures in place, we may witness the unfortunate sight of torrents of water flowing away into the environment without being harnessed.

Mauritius currently captures only 7% to 9% of the 4,000 millimeters of annual rainfall in its catchment area, a stark insufficiency highlighted by former CWA director Prem Saddul last year.

He pointed out the government’s failure to manage runoff—the water that flows back to the sea.

Beyond discussions surrounding the potential installation of mini-dams and treatment stations along rivers to combat drought, various other short-term measures should be prioritized to minimize water wastage.

A clear roadmap detailing actions needed from policymakers is critical, especially in promoting rainwater harvesting for irrigation, toilet flushing, and vehicle washing.

Simple solutions, such as using a barrel or a tank connected to gutters, can facilitate this practice.

Given the growing number of testimonies on social media lamenting the loss of torrents of rainwater that could otherwise benefit the countless families deprived of this vital resource, it appears that more Mauritians are open to adopting rainwater harvesting strategies.

Although projects and subsidies have been initiated by the state and private sector over the past decade, much work remains to be done.

Organizing campaigns throughout the island to encourage residents to invest in rainwater harvesting equipment would be a commendable effort.

Mare aux Vacoas: A Troubling Decline Amidst Natural Beauty

Nestled in lush vegetation, Mare aux Vacoas is not just a water source but a thriving freshwater fishing haven.

Despite its low water level (45.1% full), anglers are enjoying their time there, although the allure of the landscape is overshadowed by a worrying amount of litter scattered throughout the reservoir.

As the water level continues to dwindle, the threat emerges that trash may soon outnumber fish in the reservoir.

Various forms of waste, including discarded fishing gear, litter the area.

Nearby, in the heart of nature, multiple dumpsites filled with garbage reveal the growing issue of environmental disrespect and negligence that increasingly impacts this cherished locale.

Source: Le Mauricien