Best Practices: Water Resources

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

Case Study: "Mauritius IWRM Plan"

This plan coordinates the management of water resources across various sectors to ensure sustainable water use. It includes strategies for water conservation, quality management, and ecosystem support, helping to balance demand with the island's water supply capacities.

Rainwater Harvesting

Case Study: "National Rainwater Harvesting Programme"

Mauritius has implemented a national programme that encourages households and businesses to install rainwater harvesting systems. This initiative helps reduce dependence on public water supply systems and mitigates the impact of seasonal water shortages. This report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation states that 4 rainwater harvesting projects were completed in Rodrigues in 2018.

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Water-Saving Technologies

Case Study: "Water-Efficient Fixtures in Irrigation"

The government has mandated the installation of water-efficient fixtures, such as sprinkler, centre pivot, and drip for the public irrigation sector. This measure significantly reduces water usage and serves as a model for private sectors to adopt similar technologies.

See the report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation 

Desalination Projects

Case Study: "Rodrigues Desalination Plants"

Facing freshwater scarcity, hotels in Mauritius and Rodrigues have invested in desalination technology to convert seawater into drinkable water via reverse osmosis technology. The Desalination Plants at Pointe Coton and Caverne Bouteille serve as important projects to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of scaling up desalination to meet growing water demands.   Daily production capacity is expected to be around 4000 cublic meters. 

Water Quality Monitoring and Improvement

Case Study: “CWA Water Quality Laboratory”

The Scientific Services Section is essential to the CWA's operations, providing environmental and scientific support amid rising demand for safe water. It monitors the quality of treated water before distribution, ensuring compliance with WHO Guidelines and National Drinking Water Standards through rigorous testing in its Water Quality Laboratory. This section includes three laboratories: the Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories, both accredited under ISO 17025, guaranteeing adherence to international quality standards, and a third laboratory in preparation for accreditation, focused on identifying and enumerating micro-algae in reservoirs.

Public Education and Awareness Campaigns

Case Study: "Water sensitisation campaigns"

Water sensitisation campaigns educate the public about the importance of water conservation through workshops, school programs, and media outreach. It focuses on practical steps individuals can take to reduce water usage at home and in businesses.

Leak Detection and Repair Programmes

Case Study: "Water Leak Management"

To combat significant water loss in distribution systems, the CWA renewed 168 km of pipelines. This initiative has helped save millions of liters of water annually, enhancing the efficiency of the water distribution network.

Wetlands Conservation and Restoration

Case Study: "Wetland Restoration"

This project restores critical wetland areas that naturally filter pollutants and increase groundwater recharge. The restoration also supports biodiversity and provides a buffer against coastal erosion and flooding.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Case Study: "Smart Irrigation Systems in Agriculture"

To optimize water use in agriculture, smart irrigation systems that adjust watering schedules based on soil moisture and weather conditions have been introduced. These systems ensure that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, reducing water waste.