SIX of 14 monitored water sources in the Northern Division have reached critical levels as prolonged dry weather continues to affect water availability.
Acting Commissioner Northern Apolosi Lewaqai said the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) was closely monitoring the affected sources and working with other agencies to respond to emerging shortages.
The affected sources are Nasealevu, Nasalasala, Vunika, Savudrodro, Savuloaloa and Nabouwalu.
“According to the latest updates provided by the Water Authority of Fiji, six of the 14 monitored water sources in the Northern Division have reached critical levels,” he said.
Mr Lewaqai said the decline was linked to reduced inflows and prolonged dry weather conditions.
“The Mineral Resources Department is also monitoring communities dependent on groundwater, particularly those relying on boreholes and other underground sources.
“Extended periods of below-normal rainfall have contributed to declining groundwater levels in some areas.”
He said communities dependent on boreholes remained vulnerable if the dry conditions continued.
“Government agencies are monitoring water sources and groundwater conditions to identify communities requiring assistance.”
He said response measures included water carting, borehole monitoring and other contingency interventions.
The Government has yet to declare a drought in the Northern Division, with authorities continuing to refer to the situation as prolonged dry weather.
He said the situation would continue to be assessed as rainfall, water levels and community impacts changed.
