Thousands of households and businesses across Nadi and Lautoka will face overnight water rationing from 9pm tonight as worsening drought conditions continue to place pressure on water supplies in the Western Division.
The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has confirmed that controlled water supply rationing will take place daily from 9pm to 4am, beginning Saturday, November 14, until further notice.
The measures are aimed at allowing reservoirs to recover overnight and maintaining water supplies during the day.
WAF warned that customers in affected areas could experience low water pressure, intermittent supply or no water during the seven-hour rationing period.
Water supply will be progressively restored from 4am, although elevated areas may experience longer delays.
The restrictions come as Vaturu Dam, a major water source for Nadi and Lautoka, has fallen below its critical operating threshold.
As of November 12, the dam level stood at 521.860 metres above mean sea level, below the critical threshold of 522 metres.
Storage was approximately 60.5 per cent of full capacity, representing a decline of 5.14 metres from its full supply level.
WAF said the Western Region had experienced more than three months of below-average rainfall associated with prolonged dry weather and El Niño conditions.
This has significantly reduced water flows into treatment plants, affecting production and placing increasing pressure on available supplies.
Production at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant has declined by approximately 2.5 per cent, while Buabua has recorded a 15 per cent reduction.
The Saru Water Treatment Plant has been particularly affected, with raw water inflow and production falling by approximately 50 per cent.
The Vaturu–Nagado system supplies the entire Nadi area and about 70 per cent of Lautoka, while the remaining 30 per cent of Lautoka relies on the Buabua and Saru systems.
WAF said supplementary water sources and temporary pumping arrangements had been activated, but continued dry weather was also reducing flows from these alternative sources.
In Lautoka, affected areas include Banaras, Natokowaqa, Field 40, Rifle Range, Natabua, Saru, Vuda, Wairabetia, Viseisei, Waiyavi Stage 5, Kashmir, the Lautoka central business district, Tavakubu, Buabua, Teidamu, Matawalu, Vakabuli and surrounding communities.
In Nadi, affected areas include Sabeto, Votualevu, Namaka, Martintar, Wailoaloa, Nadi Town, Nawaka, Denarau, Narewa, Navakai, Saunaka, Korovuto and communities extending towards Momi.
WAF has urged households and businesses to conserve water immediately, warning that dry conditions are expected to continue through February 2027.
The Authority said water should be prioritised for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene and sanitation.
Residents have been urged to stop watering lawns, washing vehicles and filling swimming pools using WAF-supplied water.
Hotels, resorts and other businesses have also been asked to reduce non-essential consumption and address water leaks.
Customers are encouraged to maintain reasonable backup supplies in clean, covered containers without excessive storage.
WAF warned that failure to reduce non-essential water use could result in further restrictions.
“If conservation efforts prove insufficient or non-essential water use continues despite this advisory, WAF will introduce and enforce restrictions on specified non-essential uses of WAF-supplied water as conditions of supply, subject to the applicable statutory notice requirements,” the Authority said.
It warned that failure to comply with formally notified restrictions could result in water supply being limited, rationed or discontinued in accordance with the Water Authority of Fiji Act 2007.
Water carting trucks will remain on standby to assist affected communities, subject to availability and operational requirements.
WAF apologised for the inconvenience and urged customers to cooperate to prevent more extensive rationing.
“Please use water wisely today so that essential supplies remain available for everyone in the months ahead. Every drop saved matters.”
