Water cuts in Mauritius – schedules and restrictions

Since Wednesday, August 5, 2026, water distribution has been reduced by two hours per day nationwide, "until further notice." Plaines Wilhems, Moka, and part of Rivière Noire have been subject to a stricter regime of five to six hours of water per day since June 17, 2026. The hours listed below are those announced by the CWA; the exact times vary from one area to another.

North

In the North, water is distributed from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to a CWA press release dated August 5, 2026. The same press release indicates that the number of water hours varies from 6 to 20 hours per day depending on the area: localities such as Grand-Baie, Goodlands, and Fond-du-Sac receive between 8 and 16 hours of water per day. A large part of the North is supplied by the La Nicolière reservoir, one of the two reservoirs that is of greatest concern to the authorities.

East

In the East, the beaches are open the same as in the North: from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The number of hours of water exposure varies from 6 to 20 hours per day depending on the area.

South

In the South, water is distributed from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 5 p.m. To 7 p.m. The number of Hours of water varies from 6 To 20 Hours per day depending on the area.

Port Louis

In Port Louis, water is distributed from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The number of hours of water service varies from 8 to 20 hours per day depending on the area.

Plaines Wilhems, Moka and Rivière Noire

Since Wednesday, June 17, 2026, areas supplied by the Mare-aux-Vacoas aqueduct have been receiving only six hours of water per day. The CWA press release of June 15, 2026, cites Vacoas and Curepipe, Quatre-Bornes, Beau-Bassin, Rose-Hill, Moka and Saint-Pierre, as well as part of the Rivière Noire district. These restrictions were maintained on August 3, 2026, with the CWA then referring to "five to six hours per day."

These regions are affected earlier and more severely than the rest of the island because they depend directly on Mare-aux-Vacoas, the country's largest reservoir, whose level is dropping the fastest. At the time of the decision, it was at 45%; according to the CWA, without restrictions, it would have been dry by September 2026.

Detailed timetables, district by district, have been published by the CWA in the form of two tables: one for Vacoas, Curepipe and Saint-Pierre, the other for Belle-Rose, Sodnac, Candos and the surrounding districts. They can be downloaded from the press release page dated June 15, 2026They show the extent of the reduction: at Belle-Rose, for example, the water has gone from 12 hours a day in two sessions to six hours, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. These tables date from June; a sector may have been modified since.

Tanker trucks are being made available, but the CWA is giving priority to hospitals, nursing homes and care homes, schools and prisons.

Knowing the opening hours of your street

Regional beach locations are insufficient to determine the water supply hours for a given house. The press release of August 5, 2026, is ambiguous: it lists both these beach locations and a number of water hours per day that varies by area. Interpreted as supply hours, the beach locations would only provide six hours of water per day in the North, which does not correspond to the advertised range. The text does not allow for a definitive interpretation.

Water schedules are actually determined sector by sector, sometimes even street by street, depending on the reservoir or well that supplies the neighborhood. Even under normal circumstances, water doesn't flow continuously everywhere: charts published by the CWA in June show that before the restrictions, many areas of Vacoas and Belle-Rose received 8, 10, or 12 hours of water per day. To find out the schedule for your street, the safest option is to call 170, the CWA hotline, or ask your neighbors.

From Monday, August 10, 2026, the Central Water Authority (Dry Season) Regulations 2026 prohibit, except with a reasonable excuse, the use of water for the following purposes with a hose, sprinkler, pressure washer or any similar device, in a manner that would waste it:

• wash a vehicle;
• wash a driveway, a sidewalk, a building or part of a building;
• watering a hedge, a lawn or a garden;
• to fill or top up a swimming pool.

The text also generally prohibits the use of domestic water for non-essential purposes or its waste. This applies to mains water, whether supplied for domestic use or not, as well as water drawn from a watercourse. Finally, it prohibits the irrigation of sugarcane, and any other irrigation, by drawing water from a reservoir or from a watercourse that feeds a reservoir.

The press release Of august 3, 2026, which announced these measures, is more categorical than the regulatory Text:

• the use of drinking water to fill swimming pools "will no longer be allowed";
• car wash centers can no longer use drinking water;
• high-pressure cleaners are prohibited for washing vehicles, buildings, courtyards and driveways;
• agricultural irrigation is now only permitted for vegetable fields.

The regulation, however, adds the condition "in a way that wastes." Prudence Dictates sticking to the version in the press release: this is The one that the cWA, The water Resources Commission, And the police have announced they will enforce.

Essential domestic uses, i.e. drinking, cooking, washing, washing dishes or laundry, are not targeted: the text only targets non-essential uses and waste.

These regulations have no end date. They remain in force until a new text repeals them, just as the 2026 regulations repealed the 2022 Dry Season Regulations. Similar regulations were also applied in 2025: they return during difficult dry seasons.

Violating the Dry Season Regulations 2026 is a criminal offense. A residential subscriber, i.e., an individual, faces a fine of up to Rs 50,000 and up to two years imprisonment. In other cases, particularly for a business, the fine can reach Rs 200,000, with the same maximum prison sentence.

These are maximum fines set by the legislation; the actual amount awarded is determined by the court. Inspections are carried out jointly by the Water Resources Commission, the CWA, and the police. The legislation applies to "any person," including a visitor who might be washing their rental car with a hose in front of a villa.

As of September 18, 2026, Mauritius' reservoirs were filled to 62.4% of their total capacity of 92.2 million cubic meters, compared to 93.2% at the same time in 2025, according to figures from the Water Resources Commission. The Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir had fallen to 38.5% by September 25.

Details as of September 18, 2026:

• Mare-aux-Vacoas 39.9%
• The Farm 44.9%
• La Nicolière 45.2%
• Piton du Milieu 83.6%
• Mare Longue 83.8%
• Midlands 85.2%
• Trifle : 70.9% As of September 4 (figure from September 18 not published)

The overall rate doesn't tell the whole story: it's the Mare-aux-Vacoas and La Nicolière dams that are worrying the authorities. Mare-aux-Vacoas supplies Plaines Wilhems, Moka, and part of Rivière Noire; La Nicolière serves a large part of the North. A year earlier, on September 4, 2025, Mare-aux-Vacoas was 97.6% full.

These figures are from the Water Resources Commission, which does not publish them on an online page.

Water is scarce because the Winter of 2026 was very Dry. mauritius's meteorological services Had already predicted a dry winter, with approximately 70% Of normal rainfall. by July 30, 2026, Only 37% Of The expected rainfall had fallen, according to a joint statement released That Day By the water resources Commission and the cWA.

The timing makes matters worse. In Mauritius, two-thirds of the year's rainfall occurs during the southern summer, from November to April; October is the driest month. Reservoirs filled by summer rains must therefore last throughout the winter, and they are at their lowest at the end of winter, just before the return of the heavy rains. When the winter is dry, the decline begins earlier and is more pronounced. This is not the first such event: back in September 2024, the CWA (Central Water Agency) was already talking about an "early drought," after a July that received only 36% of the normal rainfall.

The first half of September 2026 was rainy, with 127% of normal according to meteorological services, but these rains were not enough to stop the decline in reservoirs.

The network itself is an aggravating factor. According to official statistics from 2025, treatment plants produced 332.6 million cubic meters of drinking water, while only 114.7 million cubic meters were billed. The difference represents unbilled water, including leaks from the network.

No one can say for sure: the restrictions will last until the summer rains refill the reservoirs. No end date has been announced, and the Dry Season Regulations 2026 do not include one.

The dreaded scenario has been quantified. According to the Water Resources Commission, without significant rainfall, the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir will reach 20% capacity by the end of November 2026. At this level, the CWA (Central Water Authority) will no longer be able to draw water from it to supply the Plaines Wilhems, Moka, and part of Rivière Noire. Its Director General, Shiam Thannoo, suggests a possible every-other-day distribution in the most affected areas, as well as increased reliance on the Bagatelle reservoir to alleviate pressure on the higher elevations of the Plaines Wilhems. The Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Patrick Assirvaden, warned in August that stricter measures would be taken if reservoir levels continued to fall.

Regarding the weather, the Mauritius Meteorological Services predicted on August 10, 2026, slightly below-normal rainfall from August to October, then close to normal in November. This forecast is based on an El Niño event, the peak of which is expected between October and December 2026; during past major events, summer rainfall in Mauritius has remained close to normal.

The situation can also change quickly. In 2025, Mare-aux-Vacoas went from 38.5% in March to 99.9% in August, according to Statistics Mauritius. A few weeks of heavy rain are enough to lift a good portion of the restrictions. A statement from the CWA (Central Water Authority) will then be required before the return to normal schedules.

The restrictions are not a reason to cancel a trip. They mainly change the daily lives of those staying in a house.

At the hotel

At the hotel, the establishment manages its own water supply, and the situation varies from one hotel to another. In August, the Minister of Energy even called on hotels to become more self-sufficient, with small desalination units. If you have any doubts, the reception desk is best placed to advise you.

In a villa or in a rental

Whether in a villa or a rental property, mains water is only available at certain times, often early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Many Mauritian houses are equipped with a cistern that fills up during distribution hours and a pump that supplies the taps the rest of the time. This is what ensures a continuous water supply outside of these hours, as long as the cistern isn't empty.

Upon arrival, ask the owner or agency three questions:

• does the house have a cistern, and how long does it last?
• at what times does the water arrive in this neighborhood?
• where is the pump located, and what should I do if it stops?

During the stay, a few habits are enough to avoid emptying the cistern: short showers, washing machine and dishwasher only when fully loaded, no running taps while washing dishes or brushing teeth.

Swimming pool, garden, car: what you cannot do

Several common practices in rental properties are now prohibited by the Dry Season Regulations 2026And are liable to a fine:

• Pool Do not top it up with a garden hose. If the level drops, it is the owner's responsibility to take care of it.
• Garden : no watering with a hose or automatic sprinkler.
• Rental car No washing with a hose in front of the house. Car washes can no longer use drinking water either.
• Terrace, walkway : no high-pressure cleaner, no jet washing.

Regarding the question of whether or not to drink tap water in Mauritius, outside of any restriction periods, see our practical guide on water in MauritiusFor seasons and rainfall, see the weather in Mauritius.

When the water returns after a cut-off, it may run brownish or cloudy for a while. According to the CWA, pressure variations caused by cut-offs and work on the pipes stir up sediment and iron oxide deposits that have accumulated in the pipes.

The CWA asks that the problem be reported to 170. Their teams will then come to flush the pipe. They also recommend cleaning water tanks regularly. Until the water runs clear again, it is best not to drink it or use it for cooking, as a precaution, especially for young children and the elderly.

The Central Water Authority (CWA) is the public body that produces and distributes drinking water in Mauritius. It sets the distribution schedules and publishes announcements.

• Helpline : 170 (from Mauritius), for the schedules of a sector, a lack of water or cloudy water.
• WhatsApp : +230 5500 0025
• Standard : +230 601 5000
• E-mail Infodesk@cwa.mu
• Seat St. Paul
• Official website : cwa.govmu.orgPress releases are published on the homepage, with the official document attached.
• Facebook Page : facebook.com/cwa170, often the fastest for today's announcements.

Are there any water cuts in Mauritius at the moment?

Yes. As of September 28, 2026, water distribution has been reduced by two hours per day throughout the country since August 5, 2026. Plaines Wilhems, Moka and part of Rivière Noire have been limited to five to six hours of water per day since June 17, 2026.

What are the water distribution times in the North?

According to the CWA press release of August 5, 2026, water service is available from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, the number of hours of water service varies from one sector to another: to find out the hours for your street, call 170.

Is it possible to fill your swimming pool in Mauritius?

No, not with mains water, since August 10, 2026. The Central Water Authority (Dry Season) Regulations 2026 prohibit filling or topping up a swimming pool with a hose or similar device, and the CWA has announced that drinking water can no longer be used to fill swimming pools.

Is it possible to wash your car during water restrictions?

No jet or high-pressure cleaner, since August 10, 2026. Car wash stations can no longer use drinking water either.

What is the fine for non-compliance with water restrictions?

Up to Rs 50,000 and two years imprisonment for an individual, up to Rs 200,000 and two years imprisonment in other cases, according to the Dry Season Regulations 2026. These are ceilings: the sentence is set by the court.

How long will the water cuts Last?

No date has been set: the restrictions will last until the summer rains refill the reservoirs. Two-thirds of the year's rainfall occurs during the southern summer, from November to April. Without significant rainfall by then, the CWA is considering further tightening the restrictions.

What is the water level At Mare-aux-Vacoas?

Approximately 38.5% on September 25, 2026, compared to 97.6% at the beginning of September 2025. At 20%, the CWA would no longer be able to draw from it, which could happen towards the end of November 2026 without significant rainfall.

Are tourists affected by the water restrictions?

Yes, the restrictions apply to everyone. In hotels, the water supply depends on the establishment. In villas, mains water is only available at certain times, and the house's cistern often takes over.

Where can I find the water schedule for my neighborhood?

By calling 170 from Mauritius, or on the CWA website, which has published tables by district for Plaines Wilhems, Moka and Saint-Pierre. The announcements are also shared on its Facebook page.

Is the water drinkable when it comes back on after a cut-off?

It may be cloudy or brownish for a while due to sediment being stirred up in the pipes. As a precaution, wait until it becomes clear again before drinking or cooking with it. If the problem persists, report it to 170.