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Drinking Water

The Republic of Seychelles is a small Island state situated north of Madagascar composed of 115 islands spread across the Indian Ocean over 400,000 km².  The total area of all the Islands is really 444km².

It has a population of 80,000 the majority of which lives on three main island, Mahe (90%), Praslin (6%), La Digue(3%).

Provision for treated water supply to these islands is ensured by the Water and Sewerage Division of the Public Utilities Corporation a semi public organisation.  The mission/objective of the Division is to ensure an efficient and reliable supply of potable water to 95% of the population and return of the used water to the environment in a safe manner.

The history of treated water in Seychelles dates back on the 1940's. This was done then, with the view to improve the general health and hygiene of the people.  However more rapid development of treated water supply started in the 70s' with the rapid expansion of the Tourism Industry. Thus the development of the water supply and distribution system became link with the tourism and commercial development as well as growth of the population.

Present Situation    

Presently around 92.5% of the population (74,000) are receiving treated water. Number of customers is 21,374 including 19611 domestic and 1763 industrial/commercial customers.

To ensure this PUC (W&S) is equipped with a comprehensive water supply system consisting of: 22 treatment works. These includes five major ones at Hermitage, Rochon, Cascade, Le Niol and Anse Royale and 17 other smaller treatment stations. Raw water from mainly run-of-the river sources, with the exception of La Digue were this is supplemented by a borehole supply enters the treatment stations were it goes through the processes of sedimentation, filtration, pre-chlorination, ph correction and post chlorination as required.  Soon, run-of the river sources will be supplemented by seawater also on the three islands. From the treatment stations water is then fed the distribution systems. This consists of 500km of trunk/distribution mains of various materials (Ductile iron Asbestos cement, UPVC and polythene pipes) numerous pumping stations due to the topography of the land and balancing/storage reservoirs.   

There is a remnant of the population who live in areas not yet served with treated water and they obtain raw water from direct stream abstraction.  This stream abstraction is under the control of the Rivers Committee a body under the chairmanship of PUC (W&S). Indeed every household in Seychelles has a treated or untreated water connection right up to the house.  Domestic water consumption average 19kl/ month for an average household, which works out to R89/month.

Control of Drinking Water Quality

PUC (W&S) the main body responsible for safeguarding the drinking water quality.  This is done by firstly ensuring a complete treatment process of the raw water before its distribution to consumers secondly it has a fully equip modern lab which carry out daily tests at the different treatment stations and also sampling along the distribution network.  Any anomaly is quickly communicated to the treatment stations for action. Lastly by being given the opportunity to scrutinise development plans, PUC is able to intervene to control developments which may result in pollution of water catchments.

The Ministry of Health on the other hand is responsible for formulation of guidelines and legislations concerning standard for drinking water.  Their technicians also carry out testes and site visits to endure adherence to these standards.

The pollution and impact assessment unit in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources ensure that the existing and potential water sources do not get polluted or otherwise affected.

Text courtesy of Public Utilities Corporation