The current dry spell is affecting water dams in the Central and Northern divisions, says the Water Authority of Fiji.

Chief executive officer Opetaia Ravai said this was one of the main reasons why there were many water cuts and low water pressure levels affecting the two divisions.

The Waimanu River is now the main source of water and the WAF has built what is called a coffer dam which is sandbags rimming the intake area from the Waimanu River.

The Savura stream is flowing at less than 50 per cent of capacity and is now being topped up by water from the Waimanu by operating four pumps at Waimanu.

The Savura stream is then treated at the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant which then feeds a major part of Suva.

Mr Ravai said people needed to use water wisely.

“This dry season is expected to last into January and we have no control of the drought. Water is a precious commodity and must be used wisely,” Mr Ravai said.

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