Mauritius Water Crisis: Reservoir at 35.9% as CWA Scrambles for Solutions

Mauritius is facing a serious and worsening water supply crisis, with reservoir levels far below what they were at this time last year — and authorities warning that relief is still weeks away. As of 6 October, the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir — the island's largest and most important water storage facility, located in the central highlands — stood at just 35.9% capacity. At the same point in 2024, it was at 88.6%. That near-halving of water reserves has triggered widespread shortages across multiple regions of the island. Authorities say the situation is unlikely to improve significantly before the second half of December, when the seasonal rains are expected to arrive more reliably. In the meantime, thousands of households are already experiencing intermittent supply cuts, low water pressure, and in some areas, dry taps altogether. **What the CWA Is Doing About It** The Central Water Authority (CWA) — the government body responsible for water production and distribution in Mauritius — has outlined a series of emergency measures to bridge the gap. First, the CWA plans to deploy additional water tankers to areas most affected by shortages. These tankers provide a temporary supply to households and communities cut off from the piped network. Second, around ten new boreholes are being connected to the distribution network. Boreholes tap into underground water tables and can provide a supplementary source of supply during dry spells. Third, additional filtration units are being installed to allow the CWA to draw more water from rivers — water that would otherwise be too contaminated for direct use but can be treated and distributed. These are stopgap measures, not permanent fixes. The underlying problem is the island's dependence on rainfall to replenish surface reservoirs, a vulnerability that becomes acute during unusually dry periods like the current one. **What This Means for Residents** If you live in Mauritius and are already experiencing cuts or low pressure, the situation is unlikely to resolve itself quickly. The CWA's measures may ease pressure in some areas, but with the main reservoir at barely a third of capacity and no meaningful rain forecast until late December, disruptions are expected to continue for at least the next six to eight weeks. Residents in affected areas — particularly in the centre and west of the island — should consider storing water where possible and monitoring CWA announcements for scheduled cuts in their region. ION News is collecting testimonies and video reports from residents affected by the crisis. If you are experiencing water cuts, low pressure, or supply problems in your area, you can send your account via WhatsApp to **5 838 89 08**. Source: ION News