The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) will introduce overnight water rationing in several parts of Suva from tonight, November 5, as prolonged dry weather and El Niño conditions continue to affect water production.
In an advisory issued this evening, WAF said controlled valve operations would be carried out daily between 9pm and 4am until further notice within the Tamavua water supply system.
The authority said the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant was receiving less raw water, resulting in reduced treated water production and putting pressure on reservoir storage.
Reduced flows from the Savura Cascade and Headworks 3 catchments have contributed to an estimated 15 per cent reduction in raw water inflow and water production at the treatment plant.
WAF said the overnight restrictions were necessary to allow water levels in the Tamavua Reservoir to recover when demand was lower, helping maintain supply during peak daytime periods.
Customers in affected areas may experience low water pressure, intermittent supply or complete water disruptions between 9pm and 4am.
Supply will progressively be restored after 4am, although households in elevated areas may take longer to receive water because of their location and elevation.
Affected areas include:
* Khalsa Rokara: Elevated areas of Valelevu, Kalivetau Road, Railagi Road, Veikoba, Delaitokatoka, Nayavumata Place, Ura Place, elevated areas of Cunningham Stage 4 – Valley Drive, Caubati Koro and Upper Cakacaka Road.
* Mead Road: Upper Bay View Heights, Yohan Place, Vunibau Road, Volavola Road, Lovoni Road and Upper Mead Road.
* Rewa Street: Cheng Place, PRB MacFarlane Road, Silimaibau Road, Upper Howell Road area, Matanitobua Road, Talasiga Road, Kikau Street and Naqasima Road.
* Tip Top: Kaka Place, Kula Street, Falvey Road, Aidney Street, Uddit Narayan Road and Upper Ruve Street.
* Bel Air and Wairua: Upper Samabula North, Aiwa Street, Upper Lakeba Street and Princes Road, from Loa Street to Reservoir Road, including feeder roads.
* Naboro: Naboro Prison, Naboro Complex, Gilbertese Settlement and Naboro Dairy Farm.
WAF is urging households and businesses to conserve water, prioritising drinking, cooking, personal hygiene and sanitation.
Customers have also been advised to keep reasonable backup supplies in clean, covered containers or suitable tanks and avoid non-essential activities such as lawn watering, vehicle washing and swimming pool filling.
The authority said its teams would continue monitoring raw water levels, weather conditions, treatment plant performance and reservoir storage.
Water carting trucks would remain on standby to assist affected communities during temporary disruptions, subject to operational requirements and availability.
WAF apologised for the inconvenience and urged customers to work together to conserve available water supplies as dry conditions continue.
Customers seeking assistance can contact WAF on 3346777 or 5777, available across all mobile networks.
