“Eau 24/7: Défis et Solutions” (Water 24/7: Challenges and Solutions)

Unlocking the Flow – Virendra Proag’s Essential Guide to Water Management

By M.A.

The common Kreole lament, “L’année alé, l’année vini, pena dilo…” (Year after year, no water…), particularly prevalent during dry spells, highlights a persistent challenge in Mauritius and Rodrigues. Despite occasional heavy rains causing floods, a culture of water wastage often leads to severe scarcity. This paradox is at the heart of Virendra Proag’s new book, ‘Eau 24/7: Défis et Solutions’ (Water 24/7: Challenges and Solutions), which aims to demystify water management and pave the way for continuous supply.

1. Proag wrote ‘Eau 24/7’ to shed light on the often “hidden or obscure” aspects of water resource management. His goal was to make a complex, technical subject engaging and accessible, avoiding jargon while ensuring easy comprehension. He achieves this through dialogues and relatable scenarios, primarily featuring female characters—a tribute to his late wife and mother.

The book begins with the fundamental question, “Why isn’t the water flowing?” This simple query unveils a series of potential issues. V. Proag introduces two sisters, Satya and Amsha, whose curiosity drives the narrative, prompting their mother (the author’s proxy) to explain the intricacies of water distribution. The common complaint of no water at home, even during heavy rainfall, points to deeper systemic problems.

The Evolution of Water Infrastructure: From Basic Supply to Buffer Systems

The mother’s explanation starts with a basic canal connecting a river to a house, quickly progressing to the necessity of filtration and disinfection for water quality. This leads to a discussion on managing varying river flows, especially during dry periods. The solution, she explains, lies in long-term storage through barrages and reservoirs, acting as a “savings account” for water—storing excess during abundant rain for use during scarcity.

However, storage alone doesn’t guarantee continuous supply, particularly during peak demand. This introduces the concept of a buffer or service reservoir: a smaller, strategically located tank designed to absorb sudden surges in demand. The author uses a “bumper car” analogy to illustrate its role in smoothing out abrupt fluctuations in water usage. The conversation naturally extends to the ubiquitous rooftop water tanks in Mauritian homes, a tradition born out of necessity during the regular water cuts of the 1960s. He explains how these domestic storage solutions became ingrained, highlighting the population’s resilience in coping with intermittent supply.

Identifying Vulnerabilities: The Weakest Link in the Chain

1. Proag uses the idiom of the “weakest link in the chain” to show how a robust water supply system can be compromised by a single point of failure. Through detailed tables, he outlines potential problems at every stage:

• Resource Vulnerabilities: Reduced river flow during droughts or damaged pipelines from falling trees or landslides can compromise the source.
• Treatment Plant Issues: Clogged filters from sediment buildup or malfunctioning chlorination systems can affect water quality and flow.
• Distribution Network Challenges: The extensive pipe network to homes is susceptible to leaks, bursts, and maintenance issues, disrupting supply to many subscribers.
• Internal Household Problems: Even within homes, faulty taps or internal plumbing can prevent water from reaching the consumer.

Each problem includes a brief explanation of its impact and potential solutions, emphasizing the need for regular maintenance, monitoring, and strategic planning.

Towards Water 24/7: Solutions for a Sustainable Future

A significant part of the book explores solutions. V. Proag acknowledges the staggering 60% water loss in Mauritian networks, questioning whether increasing resources or addressing these losses should be the priority. The book delves into vital topics:

• Optimizing Distribution Networks: Discussing how different network types can minimize the impact of repairs on consumers.
• Reservoir Capacity: Emphasizing the ideal capacity of service reservoirs to meet daily demand.
• The Cost of Water: A nuanced discussion on the true cost of water, distinguishing it from its price and value, advocating for fair tariffs that discourage wastage.
• Technological Advancements: Chapters dedicated to sensors, automation, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in water management. Proag suggests these technologies can revolutionize water monitoring, leak detection, and overall operational efficiency, especially with potential future labor shortages.

The book concludes by returning to the hydrological cycle, posing the rhetorical question of why precautions against drought are only taken at the last minute. This cyclical understanding reinforces the need for proactive, continuous water management.

“Eau 24/7” is more than a technical guide; it’s a testament to Virendra Proag’s dedication to improving water access. Through relatable dialogues, clear explanations, and a hopeful vision, it aims to empower Mauritian and Rodriguan citizens with the knowledge to understand and advocate for a sustainable water supply.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 13 June 2025