Residents in parts of Suva and its surrounding areas are currently experiencing temporary water supply disruptions due to heavy rainfall, which has adversely affected the raw water quality at the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant (WTP), according to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF). Flooding from major catchment areas, including Headworks 3, Savura, and Waimanu, has resulted in elevated turbidity levels that are hindering standard treatment operations.
WAF has cautiously increased water inflows to the plant to 72 million liters per day, although this volume remains below the optimal demand of 75 million liters. The high turbidity has also necessitated frequent filter backwashing, limiting the plant’s capacity to approximately 85% and causing reservoir levels to drop by about 2 meters. Consequently, customers in elevated regions are facing reduced water pressure or outright shortages.
To alleviate the situation, WAF teams are working tirelessly to restore normal treatment and supply levels as raw water conditions improve. In the meantime, water carting trucks are being dispatched to assist the most severely affected areas, and residents are encouraged to store water whenever it becomes available.
The list of affected areas includes Tamavua, Nagatugatu, Tacirua, Dokanisuva, and Coloisuva, encompassing parts of Namadi Heights, Princess Road, and Lami, among others.
WAF encourages residents to conserve water and take proactive measures, such as limiting non-essential water usage and ensuring stored water is clean and covered. Their commitment to resolving the ongoing situation is evident in their prompt communication and community updates.
This reflection of community resilience and cooperation in the face of environmental challenges showcases the importance of preparedness during adverse weather conditions. As the water quality stabilizes, WAF assures the public that they are dedicated to restoring full service as quickly as conditions permit.
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