Each and every country requires an adequate, safe and reliable water supply to meet the water demand of all sectors. Mauritius is not an exception to this rule. However, over and above this fundamental fact, Mauritius is an island state with a
topography that results in substantial flows to the sea during heavy rainfall periods.Furthermore, increase in population growth/human activities and industrialisation render necessary more and more water withdrawal from the environment and have brought along severe risks of water pollution. Based on an in-depth analysis of the current status of the water sector, the projected water demand and the research work already carried out in this field, a prioritised list of research proposals was identified with the ultimate aim of enhancing the water sector in Mauritius. Special attention was paid to Rodrigues which currently suffers from a serious water shortage problem.