NINE of the 16 water sources in the North have reached critical level.
Acting Commissioner Northern Apolosi Lewaqai said three other sources were approaching critical levels, while only four remained normal.
Mr Lewaqai said priority areas included Vunika and Taganikula in Macuata, Nabouwalu in Bua, and stressed water systems on Taveuni, particularly Somosomo and Bucalevu.
“The reports indicate serious water-supply pressure across several rural, maritime and reticulated supply areas,” he said.
He said the Fiji Meteorological Service’s climate outlook issued on October 30 forecasted below-normal rainfall for the Northern Division during the November 2026 to January 2027 period.
“The strong El Niño is also likely to continue into early 2027.”
He said this meant communities should prepare for continued water shortages over the coming months.
“There is no definite date for when the dry spell would end.”
He said residents were encouraged to conserve water and use available supplies carefully.
He also urged communities to follow weather updates and water conservation advice as the area remained in the crisis response phase (amber).
