In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Tuvalu faces a growing crisis: the scarcity of fresh water. This small island nation, already grappling with the devastating effects of climate change, now contends with a dwindling supply of potable water that endangers public health, food security, and the overall well-being of its people. In 2022, the average lifespan of Tuvaluans was 65, well below the global average of 72 – and that figure could drop as extreme weather events become more frequent and the impacts of water scarcity and contamination worsen.

The recent approval of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Funafuti Water Supply and Sanitation Project on September 12 marked a critical step toward addressing Tuvalu’s water needs. However, while the project in the Tuvaluan capital represents significant progress in providing access to potable water, further efforts are required to ensure that residents of Tuvalu’s outer islands also have reliable access to fresh drinking water.

Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is composed of nine islands nestled in the South Pacific. With a population of about 11,200, it ranks as the fourth smallest country globally in terms of land mass, surpassing only Vatican City, Monaco, and Nauru. The low-lying coral nation’s highest point above sea level is 4.5 meters or 15 feet and thus Tuvalu is predicted to be one of the first countries to disappear due to the rising sea level. 

Funafuti, the capital, houses about half of the country’s population, while the other half resides on the outer islands of Nanumaga, Nanumea, Niulakita, Niutao, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, Nui, and Vaitupu. As the impacts of climate change worsen, Tuvalu, a least developed country according to the United Nations, will see an intensification in the struggle for water security.

Weather patterns are changing, leaving extreme weather events to happen more often. Generally, Tuvalu’s dry season is from May to October and its wet season is from November to April but this can very. El Niño and La Niña strongly affect Pacific Island nations, with the prior causing heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones and the latter forcing less rain to fall in countries close to the equator such as Tuvalu. 

In December 2023, flights to and from Tuvalu were canceled due to heavy rains damaging the runway to Funafuti National Airport. Conversely, in July 2023, a state of emergency was almost declared due to a drought. During this period, the National Disaster Management Office placed water tanks around the country and each family was allowed to take six buckets of water per day. 

Tuvaluans rely on rainwater for their daily use, such as drinking and bathing. Furthermore, rainwater is used for livestock farming, which is a key source of ensuring food security. During times of drought, family members are forced to shift to other households with sufficient water supply. The extreme fluctuations between overabundance and lack of water have caused considerable obstacles for Tuvaluans to overcome. 

A rainwater harvesting tank on a convenience store in Tuvalu’s main island of Funafuti. Photo by John Augé.

Given the absence of natural freshwater sources in the country, rainwater harvesting stands as the cornerstone of Tuvalu’s water supply. While this method is sufficient under specific conditions, its efficacy in Tuvalu reaches a threshold due to the limited number of water tanks available. The limitations of water tank capacity become particularly clear during periods of heavy rainfall, when all tanks are full and excess water cannot be collected. Expanding the infrastructure for rainwater harvesting will enhance resilience against water scarcity in Tuvalu, ensuring a more sustainable and reliable water supply for residents, particularly during changing weather patterns. This proactive step not only mitigates the current demand-supply gap but also lays the foundation for long-term water security.

While individual households have rainwater harvesting systems in place, a significant deficiency is the absence of filtration systems in all tanks on the outer islands. This infrastructure gap becomes even more critical in light of a study that found rainwater worldwide is unsafe to drink due to the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to cancer and reduced birth weights. The alarming presence of these contaminants raises substantial health concerns for Tuvaluans who, in the absence of filtration, are exposed to potential long-term health repercussions. 

Furthermore, the inadequacy of the current systems becomes apparent during droughts, when water levels in the tanks decrease. When this happens, dust accumulates in the tanks. Then when rainfall occurs, the collected dust is brought into the water supply. Strong winds from both the lagoon and ocean sides also carry sea spray into the water storage, not only increasing salinity but also introducing additional forever chemicals. Additionally, there have been cases of dead animals such as cats and rats on roofs that have gone unnoticed, further contaminating the water before it goes into the tanks. 

The Funafuti Water Supply and Sanitation Project is a $16.53 million project being funded by the ABD ($7.34 million), the Global Environment Facility Least Developed Countries Fund ($4.59 million), and the governments of New Zealand ($4.30 million) and Tuvalu ($0.3 million). It will equip Funafuti with a range of resources, including a reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant, a water pump station, two elevated potable water storage reservoirs, a 17-kilometer piped water distribution network, and at least 400 metered household water connections across its seven villages. 

It will also provide a metered marine gantry hose fill station, a water supply and plumbing service vehicle, connection field testing equipment, and water quality testing equipment. Additionally, the project includes procuring a septage vacuum truck, installing 30 pilot household septage tanks, a 5 cubic meter/day primary sewage treatment plant with an ocean outfall manifold, constructing 10 septage drying beds, and installing approximately 94 rainwater harvesting tanks and pipes for settlements on the outer islets of Funafuti. 

Finally, this initiative will enhance institutional capacity and public awareness of climate-resilient and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene systems.

The Funafuti Water Supply and Sanitation Project is a crucial and well-designed initiative that addresses both immediate and long-term water security challenges in Tuvalu. The project’s comprehensive scope ensures a stable source of potable water while improving infrastructure for efficient water management. The installation of reverse osmosis technology is particularly valuable as it provides a reliable water source independent of rainfall, critical in a country vulnerable to increasingly erratic weather patterns. Additionally, rainwater harvesting tanks and pipes will ensure greater water access for outer island settlements.

In addition to securing water supply, the project also focuses on long-term sustainability and local empowerment. With the inclusion of water quality testing equipment, metered household connections, and a plumbing service vehicle, the infrastructure is set up for efficient maintenance and resource management. These measures not only promote water conservation but also empower local communities to take charge of their water resources. The project’s contribution to public health cannot be overlooked, as improved access to clean water directly addresses the risks of waterborne diseases and contamination, ultimately enhancing the well-being of Tuvaluans. 

By enhancing sanitation infrastructure through the procurement of a septage vacuum truck and installation of household septage tanks, wastewater management and public health will be improved. A primary sewage treatment plant with an ocean outfall will treat wastewater before discharge, reducing contamination risks and supporting marine health, vital for the fishing industry. Septage drying beds will promote sustainable waste management and allow for the safe reuse of treated biosolids in agriculture. 

Finally, by strengthening institutional capacity and raising public awareness of climate-resilient and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, the project prepares Tuvaluans to effectively address environmental challenges, fostering long-term sustainability and resilience.

The Funafuti Water Supply and Sanitation Project represents a notable step forward in addressing the urgent water needs of Tuvalu, particularly in its capital. By implementing advanced water management technologies and enhancing local infrastructure, this initiative lays the groundwork for sustainable water security that can withstand the impacts of climate change. 

The ADB has actively listened to the concerns of local communities and taken decisive action to respond to their needs. 

However, to achieve true equity in water access, it is imperative to extend similar resources and support to Tuvalu’s outer islands. These communities face unique challenges that, if left unaddressed, could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and health risks. By committing to further action and investment in water infrastructure across all islands, the resilience of Tuvalu’s residents can be strengthened, ensuring that every individual has access to safe and reliable drinking water, ultimately safeguarding their health and future.