Overnight water rationing will start in parts of Nadi and Lautoka from 9 tonight as prolonged dry weather and declining water levels continue to put pressure on water supply in the Western Division.
In Lautoka, affected areas include Natabua, Natokowaqa, Field 40, Rifle Range, Saru, Vuda, Wairabetia, Waiyavi, the Lautoka Central Business District, Tavakubu, Buabua, Teidamu and surrounding areas.
In Nadi, affected areas include Sabeto, Namaka, Martintar, Saunaka, Nawaka, Nadi Town, Denarau, Narewa, Wailoaloa and parts of southern Nadi extending to Momi.
The Water Authority of Fiji says rationing will take place daily from 9pm to 4am until further notice to allow reservoirs to recover overnight and ensure water is available during the day.
WAF says the Western Division has experienced more than three months of below-average rainfall associated with prolonged dry weather and El Niño conditions.
It says this has significantly reduced water flows from key sources and affected production at water treatment plants supplying Nadi and Lautoka.
The Authority says the Vaturu Dam, which supplies the entire Nadi area and approximately 70 percent of Lautoka, was at 60.5 percent of its full storage capacity as of Thursday.
The dam's water level was recorded at 521.860 metres above mean sea level, below its critical operating threshold of 522 metres.
WAF says the declining water level, limited inflows and evaporation caused by hot weather have reduced the amount of water available for treatment and distribution.
Production at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant has declined by approximately 2.5 percent, while the Buabua Water Treatment Plant has recorded a 15 percent reduction.
The Saru Water Treatment Plant has experienced a 50 percent reduction in raw water inflow and production.
WAF says these shortfalls are affecting reservoir recovery and water supply, particularly in elevated areas.
It says customers in affected areas may experience low water pressure, intermittent supply or no water between 9pm and 4am.
Water supply will be progressively restored from 4am, although some elevated areas may experience longer delays.
WAF says supplementary water sources and temporary pumping arrangements have been activated, but continued dry weather is also affecting these alternative sources.
The Authority is urging residents and businesses to conserve water immediately by avoiding non-essential activities such as washing vehicles, watering lawns and filling swimming pools.
It says dry conditions are expected to continue through February 2027, making water conservation critical to protecting supplies for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene and sanitation.
WAF warns that further restrictions on non-essential water use may be introduced if conservation efforts are insufficient.
Water carting trucks will remain on standby to assist affected communities, subject to availability and operational requirements.
The Authority says the cooperation of residents and businesses is essential to preventing more extensive water rationing in the coming months.
