Fiji Water Supply Disrupted by Cyclone Urmil in Western Division

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has issued a notification to its customers regarding the impact of heavy rainfall and significant flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Urmil. These adverse weather conditions have particularly affected water supply systems in the Western Division.

WAF has reported that the continuous rain has led to flooding in several raw water sources and facilities, causing elevated turbidity levels, obstructed intake screens, and accessibility issues to critical treatment plants and pumping stations. Specifically, the impacted sites include the Narara and Nakasia intakes, Qalau and Nasivi raw water pump stations, Waica intake, and various dams such as Varaciva and Waiwai, among others.

Due to these disruptions, the water production capacity has been temporarily diminished in Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, and Sigatoka. This reduction may result in intermittent supply disruptions, decreased water pressure, or rationing in certain communities.

Despite these challenges, WAF has assured that the majority of its primary water treatment plants and distribution systems are still operational. The authority is actively monitoring the situation, managing production levels, and redirecting water supply to critical areas to maintain services where feasible. Additionally, water carting services have been initiated to assist affected households, businesses, and essential services.

However, the authority has pointed out that due to flooding and unsafe access routes, inspection and restoration work cannot commence immediately. Crews will be deployed to conduct cleaning and repairs as soon as conditions allow.

Customers residing in elevated and low-pressure regions—especially in the Western Division—should expect continued temporary supply interruptions until the floodwaters recede and standard operations resume. WAF encourages the community to utilize water conservatively, store adequate supplies for essential needs, ensure that storage tanks are secured, and keep containers clean and covered. The public is also urged to report any significant leaks or supply concerns through the WAF customer service channels.

The Water Authority has expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and patience as teams work diligently to address the challenges posed by the severe weather conditions and strives toward restoring full services.