Mauritius is facing an alarming water shortage as changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and increasing demand strain the island nation’s limited water resources. Once abundant, the country’s reservoirs are now dangerously low, holding just 38.2% of their capacity compared to 92.6% in February 2024.
The island’s population has more than doubled since the 1950s, pushing demand for water to new highs. At the same time, rainfall over the past decade has declined by 8%, compounding the stress on supplies. Scientists warn that droughts in Mauritius are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening agriculture, industries, and the daily lives of people, especially in the central plateau and coastal regions.
The government has imposed strict water-use restrictions. Washing cars, pavements, or buildings, watering gardens, and filling swimming pools have been banned. Heavy fines are in place for violations. Even the irrigation of sugar cane, a key part of the island’s economy, has been suspended.
Despite these measures, experts say that restrictions alone cannot solve the country’s water crisis. Research carried out by an international team suggests that Mauritius urgently needs to invest in infrastructure improvements to secure its water future. One promising solution is to build ten new mini reservoirs that would capture rainwater runoff—water that now flows wastefully into the sea when it rains. These reservoirs could store about 500,000 cubic metres of water, enough to supply the island during emergency shortages, especially when used alongside conservation measures.
The island’s water system also suffers from inefficiencies. More than half of the treated water is lost through leaks in old pipes—a major problem that remains unresolved. Delivering water to drought-hit areas by truck is expensive and cannot meet demand reliably. Without permanent fixes, these temporary solutions are unlikely to protect the island during future dry spells.
Small tropical islands like Mauritius are especially vulnerable because they depend heavily on groundwater and small river systems. Over-pumping groundwater risks depleting underground reserves, while most of the rainwater is lost to the sea. Mini reservoirs could help by catching peak flows during heavy rains.
However, building these reservoirs will not be cheap. Experts estimate that constructing ten of them could cost around $100 million—an investment that might be difficult for a small island economy to afford without outside help. To fund the project, Mauritius could explore blended finance options that combine government money, international climate funds, and private investment.
The country also needs to work on nature-based solutions. Restoring wetlands and planting urban forests would help the land absorb and store more rainwater. In cities like Port Louis, designing buildings and streets to let water soak into the ground—through rain gardens, green roofs, and porous pavements—could reduce runoff and recharge groundwater.
Local communities must also be involved. Most water use happens at home, and leaks in household pipes add to the problem. Fixing leaks and promoting water-saving habits could prevent significant water loss. Installing smart water meters and remote monitoring systems could help detect leaks and reduce waste more efficiently.
Mauritius faces the difficult challenge of upgrading old infrastructure while coping with rising climate risks. Success will depend on a mix of modern engineering, nature-friendly solutions, active public participation, and smart governance. Without these, the island risks deeper water shortages that could threaten its economy and way of life.