Climate change affecting Maldives' drinking water, environment ministry says

The Ministry of Environment has said the effects of climate change are affecting the Maldives' drinking water supply and pose a challenge to ensuring long-term water security.

The remarks were made during a briefing at the President's Office on Tuesday on water and sewerage services.

Speaking at the meeting, Environment Ministry Director General Mohamed Musthafa said rising sea levels were contributing to the salinisation of groundwater, while changes in rainfall patterns were affecting rainwater resources.

He also said that sewerage networks on some islands had been installed at shallow depths, making them vulnerable to damage during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

According to Musthafa, changes in rainfall patterns and intensity increase the likelihood of water contamination.

He added that freshwater resources on most islands remain in good condition and should be protected.

The ministry also released figures on emergency water supply operations, stating that over the past 10 years water had been delivered to an average of 51 islands each year because of water shortages.

According to the ministry:

Musthafa said the need for emergency water deliveries is expected to end within the next 18 months as water supply systems are completed on all inhabited islands across the Maldives.