Preventing Water Shortages

by Laura Van Vliet

The Kingdom of Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean, an archipelago populated by approximately 100,000 people. The geography of the nation makes it especially vulnerable to environmental changes, particularly climate change and rising sea levels. An article by the Tonga Broadcasting Commission outlines recent inquest into the idea of reducing environmental impact by water recycling. The efforts of the Tongans, though not yet in effect, reflect recent fears of rising ocean levels and shortages of fresh water.

The article states that the recycling of waste water has been suggested as a way to prevent future water shortages. While counterarguments within the article report that there is no real danger of water shortages, as the underground reservoir constantly recharges itself and there are high levels of precipitation, the precautionary principle argues that despite this, efforts should be taken to reduce water usage. As the Tongan population continues to grow, water usage will increase, and it is unknown if the water supply will be large enough to support this or if the surrounding ecosystems will be negatively impacted because of water is being taken out of the natural environment for human use. Water recycling is an easy solution to this problem, at least partially, preventing unknown consequences resulting from overuse of an increasingly precious resource.

Another concept which must be considered is the principle of sustainability. Future generations may suffer if our inaction today causes shortages, which bring up questions of intergenerational equity. Future generations have the same right to fresh water and adequate resources as those alive today, and we must strive to ensure this takes place. Water usage, therefore, must be at a sustainable level, equilibrium must be established at which we know that future generations will have access to the resource. Rising sea levels may affect the fresh water supply, pushing the water up and potentially over the brink of the reservoir, wasting the water supply. This, coupled with increased water demand as population increases, may mean that current sustainable levels of water use may no longer be sustainable in the future. Less water intake may be required in order to maintain the health of our ecosystems, and ensure that in the future we are prepared for and can guard against water shortages. This is another excellent reason for the Tongan nation to implement waste water recycling programs.

In conclusion, the waste water recycling program suggested for implementation in Tonga is a program which should be put into place. When one analyzes the risks for the future, such as decreased water availability due to climate change or overpopulation, and applies the principles of sustainability and precautionary thinking, it is the logical choice.

References


Tonga Broadcasting Commission. Recycling to Prevent Water Shortage. 24 November 2009. Accessed on: 25 November 2009. Available at: http://69.64.79.247/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1927&Itemid=57