1.

INTRODUCTION
The mini project aims towards the study the different method in place to monitor the current
water quality in Mauritius. Our group were assign to study the catchment of River des
Creoles located in the south eastern part of the island. The catchment is the 4th largest basin
in Mauritius after that of G.R.S.E., G.R.N.W. and Riviere du Poste. With a roadmap the
different rivers in the catchment area were first established [Hydrology Data Book] and with
the collection of data available from the concerned body (MSIRI), the data was analysed
applying the principle of hydrology to propose solutions to practical problems that would
gear towards the monitoring of the catchment. This project enabled us to have a better and
comprehensive approach of the water resources in the catchment area of River des Creoles
and the island that is a necessity towards decision making concerning the management of
water resources on a local and national scale while maintaining environmental integrity and
using a sustainable approach whilst aquatic ecosystem and coastal flora are not or least
compromised.

1.1 Project background

Monitoring is the programmed process of sampling, measurement and subsequent recording
or signalling, or both, of various water characteristics, often with the aim of assessing
conformity to specified objectives [International Organization for Standardization (ISO)]. A
good monitoring plan can provide adequate and sufficient data that would evaluate decision
making, in the past lack of improper assessment of hydrological factors has led to failure of
structures. Some of considerations are:

Describing water resources and identifying actual and emerging problems of water

pollution.
Formulating plans and setting priorities for water quality management.
Developing and implementing water quality management programmes.
Evaluating the effectiveness of management actions.

Monitoring plans can set up a flood risk assessment in the region where the magnitude of
flood flows would be directed towards a safe disposal before development planning.

1.2 Project scope

This project provides an in depth analysis of the water quality for the catchment of River des
Creoles and proposals to better monitoring techniques. Water quality management aims to
control the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water. The elements of
1

management may include control of pollution, use and abstraction of water, and land use.
[WHO, Water Quality Monitoring]

Characteristic

Water

Particulate matter
Suspended

Living organisms

Deposite

Tissue

Bio

Ecologica

Physiochemical

analysis

test

l surveys

determination

Physical
Chemical
Biological
Table 1- Character tics of water

Water quality data are also required for pollution control, and the assessment of long-term
trends and environmental impacts. The chemical parameters should be checked to ensure they
conform to the permissible amount for the catchment of River des Creoles together with its
neighbouring areas includes residential building, farming and industry.

1.3 Study area

The rivers des Creoles (G) drain runoff from the high rainfall areas of the central uplands
with an annual discharge of 108 Mm3. Their catchments consist largely of young lavas from
Curepipe point. In the upper reaches of the catchment , Eau Bleue Reservoir takes water from
River Eau Bleue, the main tributary of River des Creoles with other rivulets or rivers are
Rivulet Perrot, Rivulet Lovard, River Gros Ruisseau, Rivulet Batiste, Rivulet Cochon,
Rivulet Dalais and Rivulet Tranquille. The water is used by the Hydro-Electric power station
at Le Val is returned to the river and is again used for Hydro-Electric power generation at
Ferney Hydro-Power Station. Water is also being diverted for milling and irrigation purposes.
[Hydrology Data Book]

The figure below shows the catchment of River des Creoles and table shows the different
stations involved in the catchment area.

Figure 1- Shows the River des Creoles catchment

Station

Station name and location

State

G01

River Eau Bleue (Submerged by reservoir)

Abandoned

G20

River Eau Bleue at Fressanges

Operational

G03

River Eau Bleue at Coriollis Rd

Abandoned

G04

Tributary to Eau Bleue (Submerged by Reservoir)

Abandoned

G05

Eau Bleue Reservoir (Water Levels only)

Operational

G06

Tail water from Le Val Power Station

Operational

G07

River Eau Bleue at Cluny

Abandoned

G08

Ruisseau Tranquille near Riche en Eau

Operational

G09

River des Creoles at Riche en Eau (New Station)

Operational

G10

River des Creoles at Ferney Dam

Operational

G11

R. Eau Bleue at Le Val

Operational

number

Figure 2- shows the different stations in the catchment of River des Creoles

1.4 General overview

The main objective of the project is assess hydrological cycle in the catchment area proposed
which could be used to prevent hydrologic failure. The catchment area is described together
with the associated land use, urbanisation and other factors that may affect and influence
discharge in the catchment. Some necessary data are weather records, precipitation data,
stream-flow records, evaporation and evapotranspiration data, infiltration characteristics of
the catchment, soil in the area, land use, groundwater characteristic, topographical and
geological characteristics of the catchment, and water quality data, however with limited
availability of some of these data, a thorough analysis is not possible.
Subsequent monitoring efforts will identify problems and problem areas, short- and long-term
trends and the probable cause of the problems. It is essential that the design, structure,
implementation and interpretation of monitoring systems and data are conducted with
reference to the final use of the information for specific purposes.

APPENDIX

REFERENCES
Who.int.(2016).
[ONLINE]Available.at:.http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resourcesquality/waterq
ualmonitor.pdf?ua=1 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2016].
Anon,(2016).
[ONLINE]Available.:http://www.copeg.org/xr0/Documentos_tagua/water_analysis/eng_pdf/5
edWAH.pdf [Accessed 30 Mar. 2016].