Mare-aux-Vacoas Reservoir Drops Below 50,000 m³ Daily Draw

Water withdrawals from the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir in central Mauritius have dropped below the 50,000 cubic metre mark per day, according to a report by Le Defi Media. The development signals a significant strain on the island's primary freshwater source at a time when Mauritius is already grappling with a prolonged water shortage.

Mare-aux-Vacoas, located in the Plaines Wilhems district at the heart of the island, is the largest reservoir in Mauritius and the backbone of the national water supply system. It is managed by the Central Water Authority (CWA), the state body responsible for water production and distribution across the island.

Falling extraction levels from a reservoir can point to two things: either the water stored in the reservoir is running critically low, forcing authorities to limit how much is drawn, or demand has been reduced through rationing measures. In either case, the figure underlines the pressure on Mauritius's water infrastructure during what has been a difficult dry period.

Mauritius has been experiencing intermittent water cuts and supply restrictions across multiple regions in recent months. Households in many parts of the island have faced schedules where piped water is only available for limited hours each day. Businesses, hotels and agricultural operations have all reported disruption, with some resorting to private water deliveries to fill the gap.

The CWA draws water from several reservoirs across Mauritius, including La Ferme, Midlands and Piton du Milieu, but Mare-aux-Vacoas remains the single largest source. Any significant reduction in output from this reservoir has a knock-on effect across the distribution network.

Authorities have in recent years pointed to ageing infrastructure, high levels of water loss through pipe leaks, and increasingly irregular rainfall patterns linked to climate change as the main factors behind recurring shortages. The government has announced plans for infrastructure upgrades and new water projects, but progress has been slow relative to growing demand from a rising population and expanding tourism sector.

What this means: If daily withdrawals from Mare-aux-Vacoas remain below 50,000 cubic metres, CWA will face increased difficulty meeting the daily water needs of households and businesses across the island. Consumers should expect continued or worsening rationing in affected areas until rainfall replenishes reservoir levels or alternative supply measures are put in place. Residents are advised to store water during supply windows and report leaks to the CWA promptly.

Source: Le Defi Media