12 January, 2026, 9:33 am Central - 26°C Rain

Water levels at Vaturu Dam very close to critical level
Water Authority wants people to cut down on activities like car washing

Water levels at Vaturu Dam very close to critical level

Water Authority wants people to cut down on activities like car washing

By Rashika Kumar
21/10/2020
The Vaturu Dam. [image: WAF/Facebook]

The water level at the Vaturu Dam is very close to critical level and the Water Authority of Fiji is urging residents of Nadi and Lautoka to adjust their water usage accordingly.

WAF CEO Barry Omundson says they are seeing depleting levels in the Vaturu Dam which is currently at 522.98 metres above mean sea level while the safe water level is at 527m to 522m.

The critical level is below 522 metres.

Omundson says the recent rain in the Western Division has not offset the prolonged dry spell and excessive usage.

He says even though have experienced some rain in the West recently, this does not mean they are getting rain in the areas that they need.

The CEO says they require rain in specific areas where their catchments are located to improve source yield.

He says excessive rain also increases the level of sediments in the water, which affects production volume.

Omundson says the effects on their systems are already being felt, resulting in water disruptions to many areas.

He has stressed the need for Fijians to conserve water if the number of disruptions is to be kept to a minimum.

He says people need to cut down on activities like car washing, or watering compounds and gardens.

The CEO also adds that all Fijians, no matter who they are or where they live, must use water responsibly at all times and think about fellow Fijians and how their actions affect them as water wastage leads to disruptions.

Omundson says the Authority is currently seeking to work with international partners on the feasibility of an additional water source in the Western Division.

FEATURE NEWS
Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for Fiji
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji.The Nadi Weather Office says a slow-moving trough of low pressure lies over the country.It i...
1 hour ago
LATEST NEWS
Lautoka City Council acts on illegal dumping in Wairabetia and Saweni Top
Following successful enforcement action against illegal dumping along Savu Street in Lautoka, Litter Prevention Officers have once again identified ...
6 minutes ago

Trump tells Cuba to make a deal, before it is too late
Donald Trump has urged Cuba to make a deal or face consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money would now stop.The BBC reports ...
23 minutes ago

Poetry and culture take centre stage during World Hindi Day celebrations
The Indian High Commission in Fiji hosted a vibrant poetry recital, essay awards, and cultural programs to mark World Hindi Day, celebrating the ...
41 minutes ago

Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for Fiji
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji.The Nadi Weather Office says a slow-moving trough of low pressure lies over the country.It ...
1 hour ago

Two women to appear in court over alleged burglary and theft
Two women arrested in connection with alleged burglary and theft offences in Nadi and Lautoka last week have been charged with one count of burglary ...
2 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
10 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
21 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
21 days ago

TOP