EVERY litre of water saved now could help Fiji maintain supplies to homes, schools and hospitals as the country heads into its driest months, says Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Ro Filipe has called on households, businesses and institutions to make immediate changes to their water use as El Niño conditions continue.
“Small, sensible changes now will help stretch available supply through the months ahead,” he said.
He urged people to avoid washing vehicles, footpaths and driveways with running hoses, filling swimming pools and excessive garden watering.
“Use water for essential purposes.”
He also urged households to reduce water use during peak demand periods between 6am and 9am and 5pm and 8pm.
“Reduce consumption wherever you can.”
Ro Filipe encouraged people to take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing their teeth or washing dishes, use buckets instead of hoses and run full washing machine loads.
He said large water users also had a responsibility to introduce conservation measures.
“Large water users should put conservation plans in place.”
Hotels, resorts, industries and institutions are urged to review their consumption, detect leaks, reduce lawn watering and consider water reuse where appropriate.
Ro Filipe also urged the public to report leaks and burst mains immediately.
“Every litre conserved today helps ensure that water remains available to households, businesses, schools, hospitals and communities throughout this dry period,” he added.
WAF will provide updates on water source conditions and changes to supply through its official channels as the situation develops.
