Thousands of residents and businesses in Nadi and Lautoka have been urged to conserve water as falling levels at Vaturu Dam raise concerns over supplies, with the Water Authority of Fiji considering rotational water rationing.
The authority confirmed that, as of October 21, the dam stood at 522.2 metres above mean sea level, equivalent to 67.5 per cent of its maximum storage capacity.
WAF attributed the decline to little or no rainfall in the dam’s catchment, reduced flows from streams feeding the reservoir and increased evaporation caused by hot, humid and dry conditions.
Although the dam remains above its critical level, the falling water level is already affecting the pressure and flow of raw water through gravity-fed trunk mains to the Nagado Water Treatment Plant.
“This makes it increasingly challenging to maintain the production needed to meet high demand, particularly the peak periods of this prolonged dry weather,” WAF said.
The Nagado system supplies all of Nadi and about 70 per cent of Lautoka’s water demand, placing thousands of customers at risk of low pressure or intermittent supply if conditions worsen.
WAF warned that customers in elevated areas, at the ends of distribution networks and along rural offtakes on Queens Rd could be particularly affected.
Areas served by the Blackrock, Nagado, Lolobalavu, Nasau, Vuda and Kashmir reservoirs may experience disruptions.
The authority said it would carry out controlled valve operations where necessary to maintain reservoir levels and distribute available water across affected communities. Temporary interruptions could occur overnight while reservoirs replenish.
With the festive season approaching, WAF urged customers to conserve water and store reasonable supplies for essential needs.
The authority said any decision to introduce planned rotational water rationing would be communicated to affected communities, with arrangements reviewed as conditions change.
