Water cuts are a common challenge across many African cities, including Abidjan. Whether you’re a new resident, a long-time local or planning a move, understanding when and why these interruptions happen – and how to prepare – can make a big difference. In this post, we’ll explore common schedules, and practical solutions to help you adapt seamlessly. Plus, we’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments!
Why do Water Cuts Happen in Abidjan?
Water supply interruptions can occur due to several reasons:
- Infrastructure limitations: old or insufficient water systems struggle to meet growing urban demands.
- Maintenance work: Scheduled repairs or upgrades can lead to temporary outages.
- Seasonal variations: Dry seasons can reduce water availability, while heavy rains may damage supply infrastructure.
- Unexpected issues: Power cuts or equipment failures can also disrupt the water supply.
What to Expect and When
- Regular intervals: In some neighbourhoods, water cuts occur at predictable times, like evenings or weekends.
- Unplanned outages: Be prepared for occasional unannounced interruptions, especially during extreme weather.
- Duration: water cuts can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the cause and location.
In my area (Bonoumin), we are already experiencing supply shortage, since yesterday morning (27/11/2024).
Quick fact:
Did you know Abidjan’s population has grown by over 500,000 in 2 years, reaching 5.87 million in 2024?.(Source: Abidjan, Ivory Coast Population (2024) – Population Stat)
Quick Tip:
Always store extra water during dry season (typically between December and March).
On longer periods of outage, water is available in the early hours of the morning for a very short while (for those that need to stock up).
Quick Fact:
Some areas like Abobo, Yopougon experience more frequent cuts.
How to adapt: Practical Solutions
- Invest in Water Storage Solutions.
- Install large water drums or tanks for backup.
- use smaller containers for drinking water and daily tasks
- Keep Emergency Supplies
- Always have bottled water on hand.
- Store water for essential uses like cooking and sanitation
- Monitor Announcements
- Join neighbourhood WhatsApp/ Local authorities groups to stay informed about outages.
- Consider a water purifier
- Portable water purifiers are useful for treating stored water.
- Boiling water is an effective alternative when in doubt about safety.
Share Your Experience!
Have you experienced water cuts in Abidjan or elsewhere in Africa? How do you cope with them? Share your tips, tricks, and stories in the comments below. Your insights could help others navigate this common challenge more effectively.
Our emergency water bucket at home (25ltr. capacity)
Conclusion: Water cuts are a reality of life in many African cities, but with the right preparation, they don’t have to disrupt your day. By understanding the causes, planning ahead, and sharing solutions as a community, we can all make life a little easier during these interruptions.
Thanks for reading! I’m Mama in Abidjan, Navigating life as an expat in Cote D’Ivoire. Feel Free to connect with me and share your thoughts on how you manage water cuts!
In addition to learning how to handle water cuts, it’s also important to be prepared for power outages, another common issue in many areas.
For more survival tips on dealing with power cuts, check out my upcoming posts on managing frequent power outages.
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