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.
