UN warns that global warming will lead to freshwater becoming more scarce

What has global warming and freshwater shortages have to do with the Cook Islands? More than you realized, if the chronic water shortages in Ruaau, Nikao and sometimes Takuvaine are any indication. Other areas are periodically affected as well. For instance, Aitutaki already has saltwater intrusion making some of their water undrinkable and there is a growing reliance on tank water for drinking. Mauke depends on water pumped up from their natural underground water reservoir – but environmentalists are concerned that once the water levels fall, saltwater intrusion is likely to occur in the future. Also when the underground supply is exhausted, what then for future water supplies?
The only viable option for our outer islands may be installing desalination plants. Desalination technology is not new. Various methods have been known for 200 years and each year technical advances sees desalination becoming cheaper and more efficient. For the Cook Islands cost will be a concern considering the small population on the outer islands. Also without any significant employment on the outer islands, cost recovery and user pays will be difficult.
Rarotonga’s problems partly stem from an inefficient distribution network which leaks and is poorly maintained. Water collection and storage facilities can be improved but this requires funding. Rarotonga has a vast underground water supply which is untapped and really best left alone for when it will be sorely needed. In the face of changing weather patterns due to climate change, it’s like having money in the bank.
The United Nations estimates that by 2050 more than two billion people in 48 countries will lack sufficient water. Approximately 97 percent to 98 percent of the water on planet Earth is saltwater (the estimates vary slightly depending on the source).
Much of the remaining fresh water is in frozen form in such places as glaciers and the polar ice caps. Lakes, rivers and natural groundwater reservoirs account for about 1 percent of the world’s potentially usable freshwater. If global warming continues to melt glaciers in the polar regions, as expected, the supply of freshwater may actually decrease according to the predictions.