Mauritius, known for its transparent turquoise water, is actually facing an increasingly severe water crisis. Reservoirs are drying up, rainfall is becoming less predictable, and restrictions are common. Every year, water shortages make the news, but 2025 is proving to be especially critical—January was the second-driest in 25 years.
Is Mauritius Running Out of Water?
According to the World Bank (source), Mauritius is already classified as a water-stressed country. As of March 6, 2025, the country’s reservoirs were only 41.1% full, a sharp drop from 92% at the same time last year.
In response, strict water restrictions have been enforced since February, prohibiting:
Washing vehicles
Cleaning sidewalks, buildings, or driveways
Watering gardens or lawns
Filling swimming pools
Penalties for violations are severe, but hard to enforce: Fines up to MUR 50,000 and two years imprisonment for domestic consumers, while businesses could face fines of up to MUR 200,000.
Where Does Our Water Come From?
Mauritius relies on two main sources for its water supply:
Groundwater (46%) – Extracted from 181 boreholes across five underground aquifers.
Surface Water (54%) – Collected from reservoirs and rivers. The island has 25 major catchment areas, seven large reservoirs, and three river intakes, with a total storage capacity of 92.2 million cubic meters.
What’s Making the Crisis Worse?
The problem isn’t just about lower rainfall. Poor water management, outdated infrastructure, and environmental damage are making things worse:
Massive Water Loss – 50% of the country’s water is lost due to leaks in the distribution network and feeder canals.
Deforestation Near Reservoirs – Trees help retain groundwater, but large-scale deforestation has made it harder to store water effectively.
Climate Change – Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns are extending drought periods and reducing rainfall.
Unbalanced Water Consumption – Industries, including hotels and large businesses, consume a significant share of the island’s water. Without better regulations, citizens are being forced to make sacrifices while industries continue operating as usual.
How Can We Fix This?
Mauritius urgently needs a National Drought Management Plan—a long-term strategy to regulate and protect water supplies. Countries like Grenada have had such plans in place since the 1990s, ensuring that water is managed proactively rather than through last-minute crisis control. Some key steps include:
Fixing leaks in the national water network
Investing in better infrastructure to capture and store rainwater
Enforcing fairer water regulations to balance residential and industrial consumption
Educating the public on water conservation beyond short-term awareness campaigns
Increasing transparency – Accurate data on water reserves and usage should be made accessible to the public.
What Can You Do?
While large-scale solutions depend on government action, individuals can still make a difference:
1. Install a Water Reservoir at Home
Many homes already have water tanks and pumps to deal with supply interruptions. Having a personal reservoir reduces dependence on the national grid, especially during shortages. To help low-income families, the government is offering MUR 15,000 in financial aid to install a water tank and pump. To qualify, household income must be below MUR 60,000 per month.
Eligible applicants can visit Polyco Solar Ltd in Terre Rouge, Poste de Flacq and The Vale with their CWA bill and ID copies of household members to apply.
2. Use Water Wisely Throughout the Year
Fix leaks and install water-saving devices, like faucet aerators and shower heads with low flow restrictors. You’ll find those devices in your DIY and home stores.
Use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose for cleaning your car
Take shorter showers and turn off taps when not in use
3. Harvest Rainwater
Collect rainwater to use for non-drinking purposes like watering plants or flushing toilets.
4. Support Reforestation Efforts
Plant trees and advocate for forest conservation near water catchment areas to improve groundwater retention.
5. Spread Awareness
Talk about the issue, share information, and encourage responsible water use in your community.
The Bottom Line
Mauritius may be an island paradise, but its water crisis is real. The situation will only worsen unless proactive measures are taken at both individual and national levels. By making small changes, demanding better policies, and pushing for transparency, we can all help secure a more sustainable future for our island.
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