International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Tonga: Improvement and Sustainable Management of Neiafu; Vava’u’s Groundwater Resource

Aims: To ensure sustainable water resource management and protection of the fragile Neiafu Groundwater Resources

Activities: Mitigation of threats to human health from contaminants focussing on agricultural practices, land-use, liquid waste; Monitoring compliance of the Water Resource Management Bill; Institutional strengthening and community awareness for water resources management and monitoring; Development of a Water Resource Management Plan.

2586 - PAS Implementing Sustainable Integrated Water Resource and Wastewater Management in the Pacific Island Countries - under the GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability

Pollution Reduction to Aquifers: N


Reduction in Nitrogen introduced into aquifers (kg/ha/year reduction)

"20% reduction in nitrogen discharged to groundwater (equates to 80% Neiafu residents with
access to septic pump-out) "

"3(a) INDICATOR#1: NITROGEN POLLUTION DISCHARGED TO GROUNDWATER IN NEIAFU

Prior to the project commencement, Neiafu had been without septic tank service facilities for many years, causing many of the town septic tanks to fail, creating unsanitary conditions around many tanks and dramatically increasing groundwater pollution. At the request of the Neiafu community, the project reestablished a septic pump-out management system. Households were surveyed to identify failing septic tanks and advice provided through a combination of media (television, radio and a school-based awareness competition). Trial sanitation systems have been installed to demonstrate
reduced groundwater impacts, including sand filtration and compost toilets. The pump-out service has been established with a sustainable financial model and has already been used by approximately 20% of Neiafu households, representing a 5% reduction in nitrogen and organic pollution of groundwater. It is anticipated that, by project completion, the target of 20% reduction in nitrogen pollution of groundwater will be achieved. This will be augmented by almost
complete reduction of pollution from the eleven demonstration site households"

Data
Year 2012
Reporting date 14-Mar
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