-Solomon Water Authority signals impact of El Nino, calling on consumers across country to begin conserving water as it monitors situation
-Ongoing supply disruptions due to factors unrelated to El Nino, says SolWater
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Solomon Water warns that temporary water rationing could be introduced if water sources continue to decline during the current El Niño period.
The warning came in a media release issued yesterday in response to an Island Sun inquiry on Thursday about the impact of the El Niño declaration on water supplies and the recent water disruptions affecting customers in Honiara.
In the statement, Solomon Water urges customers in Honiara, Auki, Noro and Tulagi to begin conserving water after the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) declared an El Niño event, which is expected to bring prolonged dry weather and reduce water availability.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ray Anderson said the utility is currently experiencing some water supply disruptions due to factors unrelated to El Niño but is closely monitoring water source levels and weather conditions across its service areas.
He said if water levels continue to decline, Solomon Water may need to introduce temporary water rationing measures to responsibly manage available supplies and maintain essential water services for all customers.
Mr Anderson said Solomon Water has stepped up preparations by working closely with the Drought Advisory Group, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
The utility has also increased monitoring of water sources and is carrying out routine inspections and maintenance of critical water supply infrastructure to strengthen system reliability.
Mr Anderson urges households, businesses, and institutions to conserve water now, saying every customer has a role to play to reduce demand and protect limited water resources during the prolonged dry period.
Solomon Water said it will continue to monitor conditions and provide regular updates on water supply, as well as any water conservation or rationing measures that may become necessary as the El Niño event continues.
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