In September 2009, the Ministry of Industry, Science and Research (MoISR) requested the Mauritius Research Council (MRC) to report on the impact of the use of fertilizers on the water table and on the health of the population, with a view to elaborating a policy and developing a strategy for subsequent adoption.
In this context, the MRC set up a Task Group comprising stakeholders with responsibilities for the sourcing, supply and distribution of water, as well as for monitoring the quality of water distributed for domestic and industrial uses. The Task Group also included representation of institutions involved in research and development, with a focus on the utilisation of water for agricultural purposes.
In December 2009, the Ministry of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities (MoREPU) was informed of the request made to the MRC, and gave its approval for the Council to conduct a survey on the quality of potable water in Mauritius.
Between September 2009 and February 2010, the MRC (i) obtained the collaboration of various organisations for the provision of data pertaining to water quality over the period 1989 - 2009, and (ii) analysed the data made available through a series of statistical tools, with a view to identifying trends and quantifying the changes recorded, in relation to the safety criteria established for potable water in Mauritius.
This preliminary report therefore presents the results of the statistical analysis carried out between September 2009 and February 2010 on data obtained from various stakeholders. The data and the preliminary results have been discussed by the Task Group, the outcome of which is also included in the report as a list of recommendations for further action.
