Water Supply

Cook Islanders especially on the main land of Rarotonga are being warned that they will most likely face a severe water shortage in the coming dry summer months. Ground water is the only source of water supply for residents of Rarotonga. While about a quarter of the homes have water storage tanks, these usually only hold enough water for about two weeks. There are no water reservoirs or large holding water depots on the island. Two reservoirs were built in the last 20 years, but one is currently being used as a landfill and the other only operated for about 2-3 years before being abandoned by government. Water supply funds were severely cut from the current fiscal year budget passed in late August.

Another pollution problem with the current water supply has occurred and residents are being asked to boil drinking and bath water for at least 10 minutes before using to avoid stomach problems and skin rash.

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