People need to use water wisely as dry weather conditions in the Central Division has forced the Water Supply Department to start water rationing during off peak hours in parts of Suva and Lami.

Divisional Water Engineer Central/Eastern Sereicokocoko Yanuyanurua said this has also been caused by low water levels at some reservoirs.

He added the water supply may be affected between 9pm and 4am everyday in Samabula, the Rewa Street area, high areas of Lami, Delainavesi and nearby areas from this week onwards.

"The dry spell that we are experiencing is taking a very hard effect on our hard works where our raw water source comes from which is virtually empty. So whatever we are getting from the hard works with the reduction in that amount comes from the treatment plant. It has come to the stage where we have to control the flow. What we do now is control the flow during the night. So we want to supply consumers during peak hours in the morning. So when you wake up in the morning you should have water, through the whole day and in the night. Come night time around 9pm to around 4am people should experience a low pressure or in certain instances no water at all. That is due to the fact that we want to reduce the flow, get the water back to the reservoir so it becomes healthy to supply in the morning and throughout the day."

Earlier last month, some students in three Suva schools were sent home after the school experienced water disruptions in the morning.

Growing Demand Strains Water Dept Publish date/time: 05/08/2008 [12:03]

The Water Supply Department in the West is keeping an eye on their main water catchment area as their counterparts in the Central Division have started rationing water supply.

Senior Water Engineer Western Samuela Tubui said the only problem they are currently encountering is the rapid growth of housing areas that are putting a big strain on them.

Tubui said currently they are supplying 9 mega litres of water to Lautoka daily and this amount at times surpasses their capability.