Water in Mauritius: Key Facts, Figures, and Conservation Strategies

• 05 November 2024

Water is among Mauritius' most essential and limited resources, crucial not only for everyday use but also for sustaining agriculture, industry, and biodiversity. With rising demand and a finite supply, conserving water has never been more critical. This overview provides essential insights into Mauritius’ water resources, the dams supporting our water infrastructure, and effective strategies for daily water conservation.

Key Facts and Figures on Water in Mauritius

• Water Consumption: The average water consumption in Mauritius stands at approximately 186 liters per person per day, spanning household, agricultural, and industrial use.

• Rainfall Dependency: Mauritius’ water supply relies heavily on rainfall, averaging about 2,000 mm annually in the central plateau and around 900 mm along the coast. However, climate change has introduced erratic rainfall patterns, contributing to periodic droughts and shortages.

• Groundwater: Approximately 50% of Mauritius’ water comes from groundwater sources, including natural springs and boreholes, which are essential in areas without reservoir access.

Major Dams in Mauritius

Mauritius’ water infrastructure includes six primary dams, each playing a critical role in securing water availability across the island:

1. Mare aux Vacoas: As the largest dam, with a capacity of 25.89 million cubic meters, Mare aux Vacoas serves as a primary water source for the population, located in the central plateau.

2. La Nicolière: Located in the north, this dam has a capacity of 5.26 million cubic meters.

3. Midlands Dam: Situated in the south, Midlands Dam holds around 25.5 million cubic meters of water.

4. La Ferme Dam: Found in the west, it provides a storage capacity of 12.6 million cubic meters.

5. Mare Longue: Positioned near Mare aux Vacoas, with a capacity of about 6.2 million cubic meters.

6. Bagatelle Dam: One of the newest additions, Bagatelle Dam offers a capacity of 14 million cubic meters, enhancing water security in central and northern areas.

Current Challenges

Mauritius' water resources face significant challenges:

• Population Growth: With an expanding population, the demand for water continues to increase.
• Climate Change: Shifting weather patterns result in unpredictable rainfall and prolonged droughts.
• Pollution: Industrial and agricultural pollutants impact water quality, underscoring the need for sustainable management practices.

Both governmental and community initiatives are vital in tackling these issues and securing Mauritius' water future.

Effective Water Conservation Strategies

Everyone can play a role in conserving water. Here are practical ways to reduce water usage daily:

• Repair Leaks: Even minor leaks can lead to a daily waste of up to 15 liters. Regularly inspect and fix leaking taps, pipes, and toilets to conserve water.

• Use Buckets for Cleaning: When washing cars or watering plants, use a bucket instead of a hose to significantly reduce water consumption.

• Reduce Shower Time: Each minute in the shower uses approximately 10 liters of water. Shortening showers can lead to considerable savings.

• Install Water-Saving Devices: Aerators, low-flow showerheads, and dual-flush toilets can help reduce water consumption without sacrificing convenience.

• Collect Rainwater: Rainwater can be collected in containers and used for outdoor cleaning or watering plants, reducing reliance on treated water.

• Run Full Loads: Only run your washing machine or dishwasher when fully loaded. This reduces the number of cycles per week, saving both water and energy.

• Conserve in Cooking: Use only the necessary amount of water when cooking, and repurpose this water, if possible, for other needs like watering plants.

Conclusion

Mauritius depends heavily on its dams and natural resources to meet its water needs. In the face of climate change and increased demand, individual and collective efforts in water conservation can make a meaningful impact. By taking simple steps at home, we contribute to preserving this precious resource, ensuring it remains available for future generations.

Together, let’s make a sustained commitment to protect and conserve one of our most vital resources—water.