CWA Loses 60% of Water Supply Through Leaking Pipe Network

Mauritius is losing approximately 60% of its treated water supply before it ever reaches homes, businesses or farms — a stark figure that exposes the scale of the infrastructure crisis gripping the island's water sector. The Central Water Authority (CWA), the state body responsible for water production and distribution across Mauritius, has acknowledged that non-revenue water — the industry term for water that is treated and pumped but never billed to a consumer — stands at around 60%. In practical terms, for every 10 litres of water produced, only four litres reach the end user. By comparison, well-managed water utilities in developed countries typically keep non-revenue water below 15–20%. Even by regional standards, Mauritius's figure is alarmingly high. **A Network Decades in the Making** The losses are largely attributed to an ageing and poorly maintained pipe network. Much of Mauritius's water distribution infrastructure dates back several decades, with pipes that have deteriorated, cracked or corroded over time. Illegal connections, inaccurate metering and administrative losses also contribute to the overall figure, though physical leakage remains the dominant cause. The problem is not merely financial — though the cost of producing water that is never sold represents a significant burden on the CWA and, by extension, on public finances. It also has a direct impact on the reliability of supply for Mauritian households, many of whom already experience scheduled water cuts, particularly during dry season or periods of low rainfall. **Why This Matters** Mauritius is classified as a water-stressed country. The island depends heavily on rainfall and a limited number of reservoirs, with climate change making rainfall patterns increasingly unpredictable. Losing 60% of treated water to leaks means the country is effectively squandering one of its most precious and constrained natural resources. For consumers, the consequences are felt daily: intermittent supply, dependence on water tankers, and vulnerability during drought periods. For the economy, industries such as hotels and agriculture — both critical to Mauritius — face ongoing uncertainty over water availability. **What This Means** Reducing non-revenue water is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve water security without building new dams or treatment plants. Experts typically recommend a combination of pipe replacement programmes, pressure management, leak detection technology and stronger enforcement against illegal connections. The CWA has been under growing pressure to modernise its operations. Several major infrastructure projects intended to upgrade the network have faced significant delays — some reportedly running years or even decades behind schedule — raising questions about governance and project management within the authority. Until the distribution network is brought under control, even increased investment in water production will have limited impact on what Mauritian households and businesses actually receive. Source: Le Défi Media