Independent civic consultation · Mauritius

Water Rights and Water Security Bill 2026 – Interactive Public Draft

MAURITIUS.NAME · INDEPENDENT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL

Water Rights and Water Security Bill 2026

71 proposed sections · 12 Parts · 2 Schedules

Safe water. Fair access. Responsible management of rivers, boreholes, dams, reservoirs and waterfalls.

Public draft, version 1.0, 26 October 2026. This is an independent proposal and not an enacted Act or a Government Bill. The expandable entries below provide a searchable index and policy synopses; they do not replace the exact text of the draft. The complete statutory wording and Schedules are being prepared for web publication. A clause-specific online submission form is available below. Contributions are private on submission and are not automatically published; any public display requires a separate contributor opt-in and editorial review.

Why a new Water Rights Bill?

The Water Resources Act 2024 largely concerns the management, conservation and allocation of the resource. This companion proposal focuses on access, safe drinking-water supply, affordability, transparent service standards, complaints and remedies, drought resilience, and protection of watercourses, aquifers and infrastructure. It is intended to complement existing legislation rather than silently displace water permits or established property rights.

71 clauses

PART I – PRELIMINARY

1Short title

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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2Interpretation

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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3Objects

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
4Application and coordination with existing enactments

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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5Duties of public authorities

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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PART II – WATER RIGHTS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

6Right to water for essential uses

Policy synopsis: Proposes enforceable access to sufficient, safe, physically accessible and affordable water for essential domestic uses.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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7Non-discrimination and priority of essential needs

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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8Minimum essential access and emergency supply

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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9Public water supply service obligations

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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10Drinking-water quality and independent verification

Policy synopsis: Proposes water-quality standards, timely disclosure of risks and independent testing.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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11Protection against arbitrary disconnection

Policy synopsis: Proposes safeguards against arbitrary disconnection of essential household water supply.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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12Affordability and social protection

Policy synopsis: Proposes affordability safeguards and targeted support for households in need.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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13Access for unserved settlements and essential premises

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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14Right to information and timely notice

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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15Public participation and community consultation

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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16Consumer complaint and remedy

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART III – DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PERFORMANCE

17National service quality standards

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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18Continuity, schedules and interruption notices

Policy synopsis: Addresses published supply schedules and proper advance notice of interruptions.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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19Alternative supply during prolonged interruptions

Policy synopsis: Proposes emergency alternative provision during prolonged supply interruption.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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20Essential institutions and vulnerable consumers

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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21Network leakage and non-revenue water

Policy synopsis: Targets distribution losses and non-revenue water through measurable plans and reporting.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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22Meters, billing and disputed charges

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
23Water contamination and public health incidents

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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24Obligations of other water supply providers

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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25Asset management and annual investment plans

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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PART IV – RIVERS, STREAMS, CANALS AND SPRINGS

26Public character and lawful access to water

Policy synopsis: Addresses public-domain water and lawful domestic access, subject to applicable protections.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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27Environmental flows and ecological integrity

Policy synopsis: Proposes environmental flow safeguards for healthy rivers and aquatic ecosystems.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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28Abstraction and diversion safeguards

Policy synopsis: Would strengthen safeguards on abstraction and diversion under existing permitting law.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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29River reserves, buffers and flood pathways

Policy synopsis: Would protect river reserves, flood pathways and sensitive riparian areas.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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30Integrated river basin plans

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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31Springs and source protection

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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32Canal maintenance and equitable water management

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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33Pollution prevention and restoration

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART V – WATERFALLS AND NATURAL WATER HERITAGE

34Waterfalls as protected hydrological features

Policy synopsis: Recognises natural waterfalls as hydrological and ecological features worthy of specific protection.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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35Designation of protected waterfall sites

Policy synopsis: Would enable designated protected waterfall sites following consultation.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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36Restrictions on alteration and diversion

Policy synopsis: Would control environmentally damaging alteration or diversion of waterfall flows.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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37Lawful public access and private property

Policy synopsis: Balances lawful public access with private land rights and safety.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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38Visitor safety and emergency management

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
39Waterfall conservation and restoration plans

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART VI – AQUIFERS, BOREHOLES AND RECHARGE

40National groundwater and borehole register

Policy synopsis: Proposes a national register of groundwater wells and boreholes.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
41Groundwater abstraction monitoring

Policy synopsis: Proposes monitoring of groundwater extraction and cumulative aquifer impacts.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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42Protection of aquifer recharge areas

Policy synopsis: Protects recharge areas from damaging activity.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
43Salinity, contamination and over-extraction

Policy synopsis: Addresses saline intrusion, contamination and excessive extraction.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
44Emergency use of privately located boreholes

Policy synopsis: Provides safeguards governing public emergency use of privately located boreholes.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
45Groundwater restoration and unused installations

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART VII – DAMS, RESERVOIRS AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

46Register and classification of dams and reservoirs

Policy synopsis: Would create a classified register of dams and reservoirs.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
47Safety audits and corrective action

Policy synopsis: Proposes inspection and independent safety audits of water-retaining structures.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
48Downstream warning and emergency plans

Policy synopsis: Would require downstream emergency planning and warning systems.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
49Public notification of releases and operational hazards

Policy synopsis: Requires public notification of hazardous reservoir releases and related risks.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
50Reservoir catchments, sedimentation and sustainability

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART VIII – DROUGHT, EMERGENCY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

51Drought alert and emergency declaration

Policy synopsis: Proposes transparent drought alerts and reviewable emergency declarations.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
52Proportionate restrictions and allocation

Policy synopsis: Requires proportionate use restrictions giving priority to essential needs.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

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53Continuity of essential services during emergencies

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
54Integrated drought, flood and climate adaptation

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART IX – TRANSPARENCY, PARTICIPATION AND DATA

55National Water Information Portal

Policy synopsis: Proposes a national public water information portal.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
56Publication of permits, performance and risks

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
57Community reporting and independent research

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART X – OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES

58Water services regulatory oversight

Policy synopsis: Proposes dedicated, independent oversight of water-service rights and standards.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
59Investigations and access to records

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
60Compliance directions and corrective plans

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
61Judicial remedies, review and public interest proceedings

Policy synopsis: Proposes accessible review, remedies and public-interest proceedings.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
62Offences and penalties

Policy synopsis: Addresses penalties for deliberate or serious breaches, subject to procedural safeguards.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
63Protection of persons reporting misconduct

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART XI – FINANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

64National Water Security and Rights Plan

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
65Water Security Fund and public financial safeguards

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
66Annual parliamentary report and audit

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

PART XII – GENERAL, TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL

67Regulations and minimum standards

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
68Compatibility and protection of existing rights

Policy synopsis: Protects existing lawful rights while coordinating overlapping enactments.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
69Rodrigues and other islands

Policy synopsis: Recognises Rodrigues autonomy and arrangements for other islands.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
70Consequential amendments and legal harmonisation

Policy synopsis: Requires express harmonisation of surviving Rivers and Canals Act 1863 provisions, the Water Resources Act 2024 and related enactments.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email
71Phased commencement and transitional implementation

Policy synopsis: This provision is included in the 71-section model Bill. Consult the complete draft for its proposed statutory wording.

This is a navigation and consultation synopsis, not the verbatim legislative clause.

Comment or propose amendment by email

First Schedule

Indicative Minimum Service Framework: proposed regulations on minimum essential access, interruptions, emergency water supply, water quality, notification and service performance.

Second Schedule

Required Public Water Disclosures: proposed transparency on water storage, supply schedules, quality, abstraction, dam safety and service performance.

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Prepared as an independent legislative proposal by Dave Kissoondoyal, LL.M. (Cyberlaw) | MBA (Information Systems). The surviving provisions of the Rivers and Canals Act 1863, the Water Resources Act 2024, the Central Water Authority Act 1971 and environmental legislation require formal reconciliation by Parliamentary Counsel.