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Tonga
 
 
 
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Kingdom of Tonga
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Geography
Total Area 748 km2
  Land 718 km2
  Water 30 km2
Highest Elev.
 1,033 m
Landuse  
  Arable 20%
  Perm. Crop
 14.67%
  Other 65.33% (2005)
People
Population 116,921 (July 2007 est.)
Population Growth Rate
 1.847% (July 2007 est.)
Economy
GDP per capita (PPP)
 $2,200 (2005 est.)
Water Statistics
Avg Rainfall Varies from north to
south of Tonga with an estimated average of 2500mm per annum.
 
Blowhole in Tonga (Photo; Herve Damlamian)
Status of Water Resources
The source of freshwater for Tonga is either through rainwater harvesting, or extracted from a thin freshwater lens within the highly porous limestone substrate. The water resources of Tonga are primarily in the form of groundwater. Surface water resources are not present on most islands; exceptions are 'Eua where supply originates from springs in caves high above sea level, and on a number of the volcanic islands including Niuafo'oua and Niuatoputapu and Tofua, where there are several salty lakes.

Surface water: Eua, Niuafo'oua and Niuatoputapu and Tofua.
Groundwater: Urban centres.

 
Problems with Water Resources and Associated Environment Issues
  • Exploitation and consumption
    The greatest demand for water is on Tongatapu. According to the 1996 census, Tonga’s total population was 97,784. Tongatapu has the highest population density and totalled 66,979 which accounted for 69% of the total population. Vava’u recorded 15715 (16%), Ha’apai recorded 8138 (8%), ‘Eua recorded 4934 (5%), and the Niuas recorded 2018 (2%). As it is estimated that the population has grown by 46,000 people in the last decade it is possible that the population of Tongatapu has grown by up to 30,000 people. These figures can all be updated and verified when the 2006 census figures are released. Water consumption per household per month, in the Nuku’alofa area was estimated at 0.03 ML in 1998.

  • Wastewater management and pollution control
    There is no centralised reticulated sewerage system in Tonga. All wastewater is managed by on-site systems, with supervision by the Ministry of Health (MOH) when resources permit. In this respect wastewater management is in the hands of the community.

  • Information exchanges on water resources
    According to personnel involved in water management, there is no functioning information or data exchange systems on water resources. Data and information are exchanged to fulfil requirements for externally funded projects such as the current development of the Water Safety Plans. However on a daily basis this does not necessarily occur.

Information on this page obtained from Integrated Water Resources Management programme's Diagnostic Reports (SOPAC 2007)  

   
 
 
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