Rainfall deficit: Worrying situation in reservoirs

Dry scenario from next September

At Government House, particularly at the Ministry of Public Utilities, the rainfall deficit recorded to date due to climate change is causing serious concern; early yesterday afternoon, the ministry issued a most alarming press release to make the population understand that from September until the arrival of the traditional summer rains, a A dry reservoir scenario is looming. Thus, the reservoir situation has become worrying across the country. In its initial forecasts, the Mauritius Weather Station estimated to record approximately 70% of normal rainfall during the winter season.

However, to date, the results are most catastrophic, with only 37% of the expected rains recorded, a particularly significant deficit. As a result, Mare-aux-Vacoas, the country's main reservoir, is currently at 41% of its capacity. If the rains remain deficient and insufficient over the coming weeks, Mare aux Vacoas could be dry as early as September. The situation is also worrying for La-Nicolière, which supplies a large part of the north of the island. At the current rate, this reservoir could be dry by October 2026. The rain deficit will seriously affect the country's strategic reserves as summer approaches, a period of high consumption.

More rigorous management of water demand now becomes essential in order to preserve available stocks and make them last as long as possible. Measures envisagedIn this context, the authorities are currently working on restrictions concerning the use of drinking water, relating in particular to: the use of drinking water by vehicle washing centers (Car Wash); the use of high-pressure cleaners for washing vehicles, buildings, yards and driveways; certain forms of non-essential irrigation, in order to preserve drinking water for priority domestic uses. In the current situation, the key message from the authorities is that every liter water saved today will help preserve reserves for the months to come. These measures are preventive and aim to guarantee the continuity of the supply of drinking water for the population, while anticipating the needs of the next summer season.