Residents in Nadi and Lautoka are being urged to conserve water as declining levels at Vaturu Dam put pressure on supplies during prolonged dry weather and El Niño conditions.
The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) says that as of 21st October, the dam was about 67.5 percent full, with the water level standing at 522.925 metres above sea level.
WAF says little to no rainfall in the dam’s catchment has reduced the flow of streams feeding the dam, while hot and dry conditions are increasing water loss through evaporation.
It says the falling water level is affecting the pressure and flow of raw water supplied through gravity-fed trunk mains to Nagado Water Treatment Plant.
Nagado supplies the entire Nadi system and about 70 percent of Lautoka’s water supply.
WAF says customers in elevated areas, at the ends of distribution networks and along rural offtakes on Queens Road may experience low water pressure or intermittent supply.
Affected areas may include Tavakubu, Saru Backroad, Waiyavi, Natabua, Vuda, Saweni and Kashmir in Lautoka, as well as Sabeto, Votualevu, Legalega, Nasau, Mulomulo, Korovuto and Nawaicoba in Nadi.
WAF says it may carry out controlled valve operations to help maintain reservoir levels and distribute available water across affected communities.
Some customers may experience temporary interruptions during periods of lower demand, including overnight, while reservoirs replenish to support daytime supply.
The Authority says the measures will be reviewed as conditions change, and further advice will be provided if planned water rationing becomes necessary.
With water demand already high during the hot weather and the festive season approaching, WAF is urging households, businesses and visitors to prioritise water for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene and sanitation.
People are also being asked to avoid non-essential activities such as lawn watering, vehicle washing, filling swimming pools and excessive outdoor cleaning.
WAF is encouraging customers to repair leaking taps and toilets, turn off taps when not in use and report visible leaks.
Hotels, resorts and other businesses are also being urged to review their water use in landscaping, recreation and daily operations.
The Authority says customers should keep a reasonable backup supply in clean, covered containers or suitable tanks for essential needs during possible interruptions.
WAF says its teams will continue monitoring dam levels, weather conditions, treatment plant performance and reservoir storage, while water carting trucks will remain on standby to assist affected communities during temporary disruptions, subject to operational requirements and availability.
The Authority says conserving water now could help protect supplies in the coming weeks and reduce the need for more extensive rationing if dry conditions continue.
