SEVERAL key water supply sources across the North have reached critical levels as the ongoing drought and prolonged dry spell severely impact water availability.
The Water Authority of Fiji said the North has been experiencing significantly low rainfall over recent months, and this has adversely impacted water levels across several key supply systems in the region.
“Despite these challenges, WAF continues to closely monitor water sources and manage operations to maintain service continuity where possible,” WAF said.
In Savusavu, the authority said water levels remained stable with critical flows maintained at Moliwawa, Savuloaloa and Naidriva, supporting steady production at the water treatment plant. However, for Labasa, WAF said its main water source at Nasealevu has decreased by 50 per cent in flow.
“This source is now being supported by the Navau pump station, which is currently delivering a normal flow of 12.58million litres per day (MLD). The Sarava raw water source also remains healthy.”
The authority said that for Vunika, located outside of Labasa Town, the area faced severe strain as its two gravity-fed sources have been heavily affected by drought.
“The water sources for this system, comprising spring and gravity-fed catchments, have significantly diminished in flow, making them inadequate to sustain a regular supply, especially to elevated areas.”
To meet demand, the authority said six water carting trucks, each with a capacity of 5000 litres, had been deployed to service the Vunika metered area.
“The low yield from these sources has resulted in inconsistent water pressure and reduced service reliability, leading to intermittent supply interruptions in the affected communities.”
WAF said the Taganikula scheme was nearing critical levels but continued to have consistent supply, with interruptions mainly due to unplanned outages.
“For the Seaqaqa water supply system, the borehole near the Natua River continues to supply Seaqaqa Town reliably.”
WAF said the Dreketi borehole remained unaffected, with normal supply continuing, but the Nabouwalu system in Bua was currently under stress due to a 60 per cent drop in inflow.
“As a mitigation measure, valve operations are being conducted day and night to minimise disruption.
“The Vunivau borehole scheme, as well as in Bua, remains stable, and customer supply is consistent.”
On Taveuni island, WAF said sources at Somosomo, Waiyevo, and Bucalevu have remained healthy with intermittent rainfall.
In contrast, WAF said the Mua scheme, which is supplying Matei, Naselesele, and Wiwi, was experiencing critically low flows, supported by water carting and night-time valve management.
