Water Scarcity Deepens in Tonga Following Volcanic Eruption and Lockdown

15 Dec Water Scarcity Deepens in Tonga Following Volcanic Eruption and Lockdown

In the aftermath of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai volcanic eruption, access to safe drinking water has emerged as a critical challenge for communities across Tonga. Volcanic ash contaminated household rainwater tanks throughout the country, first affecting Mango and Fonoifua—two of the islands closest to the volcano—before spreading more widely.

Many households without rainwater tanks rely on purchasing bottled or refilled water for drinking. However, the combined impacts of the eruption and subsequent COVID-19 lockdowns triggered a sudden surge in public demand. In ‘Eua, residents reported that stores ran out of bottled water shortly after the eruption, highlighting the fragility of supply chains during emergencies.

As demand intensified, businesses selling bottled and refill water began rationing supplies, particularly in Tongatapu. These restrictions have placed additional strain on households already coping with limited mobility and economic uncertainty. Water bottles quickly disappeared from store shelves, mirroring shortages of other essential goods following the lockdown announcement.

Tonga’s vulnerability to water scarcity is compounded by its heavy reliance on freshwater lenses and underground aquifers, which serve as the primary sources of water for most island groups. ‘Eua remains the only island with natural springs fed by multiple underground water systems, yet even these resources are not fully utilized. Importantly, the rate at which surface water replenishes underground aquifers is significantly slower than the rate of extraction. In the wake of the eruption, increased water use for cleaning ash from homes and streets has further strained these underground reserves.

Rainwater harvesting systems are intended to supplement tap water sourced from aquifers, helping to ease pressure on these fragile resources. However, rainwater alone can sustain a household for only about three months under conservative use, typically covering drinking and cooking needs rather than broader household demands.

In this context, water conservation has become imperative. Authorities and development partners continue to urge households to use water sparingly until rainfall replenishes tanks and commercial suppliers are able to stabilize operations and resume full service. Managing limited water resources carefully will be essential to ensuring continued access to safe drinking water during Tonga’s recovery from both natural disaster and public health crisis.