State of Freshwater Resources in the Pacific

The freshwater resources of Oceania are highly variable, comprising some of the global extremes in terms of availability and access. The Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) have lower water security than Australia and New Zealand, the two developed nations in the region. Among PICTs, whilst surface and groundwater resources are available on high volcanic islands, small, low-lying coral and limestone atolls have limited groundwater and no surface water, hence are highly dependent on rainfall. Almost all islands utilize groundwater if not for potable purposes, then for washing needs. The development of water resources for human uses has focused largely on urban centres, whilst smaller and remote communities in PICTs often lack basic water services. Available water resources are also subject to multiple threats, mainly from untreated human and mine wastes, agricultural chemicals, and sediments from forestry operations. Freshwater lenses in PICTs are facing saline intrusion resulting from over-exploitation, sea-level rise, and storm surges. Climate change is altering long-term rainfall and evapotranspiration patterns and exacerbating extreme events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts. The small populations, limited financial resources, and low capacity across the water sector in PICTs, continue to inhibit progress with SDG 6, despite considerable donor support.