The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is reporting gradual improvements in the raw water turbidity levels at the Waimanu raw water intake and the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant as of yesterday. Despite these positive developments, the treatment plant’s filters are experiencing increased loading, necessitating frequent backwashing. This technical challenge continues to impede water production efforts and affects reservoir levels.
To manage the improved conditions, WAF has increased the raw water inflow to the treatment plant. Teams are actively working on stabilizing the filters and refining plant processes to enhance overall production efficiency. In the meantime, a fleet of 38 water carting trucks is operational to provide water to residents in areas impacted by the disruptions.
Customers in several locations, including Bel Air, Mead Road, Rewa Street, Tip Top, MM15B, CWM, Tacirua, and Nasinu, have had their water supply restored. Meanwhile, the Matovo Water Treatment Plant in Sigatoka has recovered its production capacity from 70 percent to normal levels after thorough cleaning of the intake and pumps affected by severe flooding in the Sigatoka River.
For the Keiyasi System, the partial treatment plant remains offline due to high turbidity levels that exceed its treatment capabilities. However, efforts are ongoing to stabilize operations across all plants, especially with the replenishment of water levels at the Benau Reservoir in Labasa.
Affected areas include parts of the Tamavua, Dokanisuva, Colo-i-Suva, and Tacirua Reservoirs, as well as locations in the Northern and Western regions of Fiji. However, operations remain normal in other regions such as Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, and Nadi.
This situation emphasizes the community’s resilience and the proactive measures undertaken by WAF to ensure public health and safety. As conditions improve, there is a hopeful outlook for a more stable water supply in the coming days, with residents encouraged to prepare by storing water for essential needs.
The authority continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and prepared, especially with potential weather disruptions on the horizon.
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