The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has issued its first formal public warning over declining water levels at Vaturu Dam, urging residents and businesses in Nadi and Lautoka to immediately conserve water to avoid more widespread supply disruptions.
The warning comes as prolonged dry weather and El Niño conditions continue to place pressure on the dam, which supplies raw water to the Nagado Water Treatment Plant.
As of October 21, Vaturu Dam was at 67.5 per cent of its maximum storage capacity, with its water level recorded at 522.925 metres above mean sea level.
WAF said very little rainfall had been recorded in the dam’s catchment area, significantly reducing inflows from streams feeding the reservoir.
Hot and dry conditions were also increasing water losses through evaporation.
Although the dam remains above its critical level, declining water levels are already affecting pressure and flow through the gravity-fed pipelines supplying Nagado.
The treatment plant supplies the entire Nadi water system and approximately 70 per cent of Lautoka’s water supply.
WAF warned that maintaining sufficient water production was becoming increasingly difficult, particularly during periods of high demand.
Customers in elevated areas and at the ends of distribution networks could experience low water pressure or intermittent supply.
In Lautoka, potentially affected communities include Saweni, Viseisei, Wairebetia, Vuda Back Road, Kashmir, Tavakubu, Natabua, Waiyavi, Banaras, Velovelo and Lomolomo.
In Nadi, areas at risk include Sabeto, Votualevu, Legalega, Nawaka, Navo, Korovuto, Sonaisali, Nacovi, Nawaicoba, Yako, Nabila and Momi.
WAF said controlled valve operations would be carried out where necessary to maintain reservoir levels and distribute available water.
This could result in temporary overnight interruptions while reservoirs are replenished to support daytime demand.
The Authority has also warned that planned water rationing may become necessary if conditions continue to deteriorate.
Residents have been urged to prioritise water for drinking, cooking, hygiene and sanitation while avoiding unnecessary activities such as washing vehicles, watering lawns and filling swimming pools.
Hotels, resorts and other businesses have also been asked to reduce non-essential water consumption.
WAF encouraged households to maintain reasonable backup supplies in clean, covered containers.
Water carting trucks will remain on standby to assist affected communities, subject to operational availability.
The Authority said it would continue monitoring dam levels and adjusting operations to minimise disruptions.
It stressed that conserving water now could reduce the need for more extensive rationing if dry conditions persist.
