Depleting water levels at the Vaturu Dam and the Nagado Water Treatment Plant is an issue of concern for the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).
And WAF is pleading with consumers in Nadi and Lautoka to conserve water.
With about 45,000 residents depending on the two critical systems, WAF chief executive officer Barry Omundson said residents needed to take heed of their plea.
He said the level at the Vaturu Dam was at 524.890m above mean sea level on August 25 which was lower than the safe water levels between 527m and 522m.
As a result of the levels nearing the critical level of below 522m, WAF was seeking to work with international partners in conducting a feasibility study for an additional water source in the Western Division.
Mr Omundson also cautioned against thinking that the occasional rainfall would solve the issue.
“Although there has been passing rain over the past couple days, we require rain in specific areas where our catchments are located, to improve source yield,” he said.
“Excessive rain also increases raw water turbidity, which affects production volume.”
WAF has urged Fijians to minimise usage, particularly commercial car washes, as well as the watering of gardens and compounds.
Customers are also advised to conserve and always store sufficient amounts of water to last for at least two to three days in their homes at all times.
