Every Other Day Water Supply Hits Vacoas, Curepipe and Four More Towns

Thousands of households across six towns in central Mauritius are now receiving piped water on alternate days only, as the island's water shortage deepens. The affected areas are Vacoas, Phoenix, Saint-Pierre, Curepipe, Forest-Side and Floréal — a densely populated belt on the central plateau that is home to a significant share of Mauritius's urban population. **What is alternate-day water distribution?** Under this rationing system, managed by the Central Water Authority (CWA) — the state body responsible for water supply across Mauritius — households receive running water from the mains network only every second day, rather than continuously. On off-days, residents must rely on stored water in tanks, drums or other containers. The CWA typically schedules supply by zone, meaning neighbouring streets may receive water on different days. Residents are advised to check their specific distribution schedule through the CWA or their local municipality. **Why is this happening?** Mauritius has been experiencing a prolonged water crisis driven by below-average rainfall, ageing infrastructure, and high rates of water loss through leakage in the distribution network. Reservoirs serving the central plateau — including La Nicolière and Midlands Dam — have seen declining levels in recent months. The central plateau towns are among the most affected because of their elevation and the pressure demands placed on the network in that region. **Who is affected?** The rationing affects both residential and commercial users in the six named localities. Businesses, schools, clinics and households in Vacoas, Phoenix, Saint-Pierre, Curepipe, Forest-Side and Floréal should plan accordingly. Residents without water storage tanks are particularly vulnerable. **What this means** The alternate-day schedule is a significant disruption to daily life — affecting cooking, hygiene, laundry and businesses that depend on a continuous water supply. Families without storage tanks will feel the impact most sharply. The Mauritian government has recently taken steps to address the broader crisis. A new national water coordinator, Dr Soonarane, has been appointed to lead the emergency response, and the free water tank grant programme has been expanded to cover all unequipped homes — not just low-income households — to help residents cope with rationing periods. Authorities have not yet indicated when normal supply will resume in these areas. Residents are urged to use water sparingly and to fill storage containers during supply windows. Source: Le Defi Media