Community-led action boosts water security on Maldivian outer islands
With their white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, it's natural to envision life on the islands of the Maldives as an aquatic paradise nestled in the Indian Ocean. But this paradise comes with challenges. Drinkable water, despite the seemingly water-abundant environment, is in short supply, particularly on the small, remote outer islands that are far removed from the bustling life of the capital, Malé. Climate change, urban development and water pollution have all resulted in a fragile and largely contaminated water system, making daily life hard for island residents.
Undrinkable water
In the face of these challenges, islanders rely on two primary sources for their household water needs. Rainwater—regularly harvested from the rooftops and stored in large tanks—is used as the main drinking water source, with each drop carrying a promise of sustenance for their families. Meanwhile, beneath the islands’ surface lies a shallow groundwater floating above saltwater, which they extract to supplement their water supply. However, the groundwater has become polluted over time, often emitting a foul smell, making it undrinkable. No one is sure why this has happened, but the communities suspect it might be due to sewage contamination. Despite the stench, families are forced to use the groundwater for tasks such as washing dishes, while they save rainwater for cooking and drinking.
More water problems
Mulah, Muli, and Kolhufushi are among the 188 islands of the Maldives experiencing water shortages. With the ocean visible from every direction, residents are reminded of the islands’ small size, limiting freshwater availability. The Maldivian Government pledges to supply piped water to every household, with implementation underway on some islands, providing homes with desalinated seawater. However, using this water often costs more than families can afford. It also made the plumbing systems in some homes more complicated, as separate networks are used for rainwater, groundwater and seawater. But cross-contamination between the three sources is a common issue that also needs to be addressed.
When the dry season hits, the situation gets much worse. Families routinely run out of water, making it harder to carry out daily activities at home. In response, the government sometimes ships emergency water supply in plastic bottles from the mainland. But this solution is both expensive and temporary. And, in many ways, a big inconvenience for the residents, who would much rather have rainwater to drink. With no choice, they make do with the bottled water, even though it lacks the fresh taste they desire and adds to the challenge of plastic pollution.
Community-led response
Island residents are keen on finding a practical, long-term solution to their almost unbearable water problem. The newly established 3SWater Project—where '3S' stands for Sustaining Small-Scale Water Systems—supports the communities in tackling these challenges by pinpointing the underlying causes and putting into action practical, sustainable measures.
“The challenges these island communities are experiencing in the Maldives are typical examples of the impact and vulnerability Small Island Development States face globally, in terms of environmental management, water management and infrastructure development,” said Assela Pathirana, IHE Delft Associate Professor in Water Infrastructure Asset Management and one of the project team members.
3SWater, funded by IHE Delft’s Water and Development Partnership Programme, focuses on establishing resilient and sustainable water systems to ensure islanders have reliable access to clean and affordable water in the foreseeable future.
“The challenges these island communities are experiencing in the Maldives are typical examples of the impact and vulnerability Small Island Development States face globally, in terms of environmental management, water management and infrastructure development.”
Using what they already know
Through discussions with the islanders and observing their practices, the project aims to better understand the water systems, particularly from the perspective of seasonal water availability and how it interacts with the larger aquatic ecosystem. Integrating their rich knowledge and practices is key to addressing the islands’ water problems in a way that also considers the broader social, environmental, and economic factors.
“We are partnering closely with the communities. We want to understand the traditional ways they know and interact with the water systems. Our goal is to transform this knowledge into solutions that account for greater challenges such as climate change, rapid population growth, and the aspirations of residents for a better quality of life,” Pathirana said.
The project has set up pilot infiltration facilities to test whether letting rainwater seep into the ground will improve the groundwater quality. Residents hope this could put an end to the stink.
“We are very happy to have a project like this here. In doing this project, we will identify the reasons why the groundwater has an awful smell and how we can respond to such issues in these remote islands” said Mohamed Latheef, Chairman of Community Empowerment Linkage, a Maldivian community-based organisation and the project’s lead partner organisation.
“We are very happy to have a project like this here. In doing this project, we will identify the reasons why the groundwater has an awful smell and how we can respond to such issues in these remote islands.”
Other participatory approaches
Environmental monitoring is also an important part of the project. Using a citizen science-based approach, local schools, environmental clubs and other community groups test the groundwater and monitor rainfall.
The project also invests efforts in capacity development and institutional strengthening activities. In the coming months, several students will be selected to follow Master’s degree programmes at universities in the Maldives. These students will undertake research assignments that are related to the project activities.
In addition to the work being done in the Maldives, 3SWater also includes activities in Jordan, which faces comparable water shortage issues. Working in the two countries offers possibilities for joint learning across different geographical locations. Other partner organisations include H2O Maldives, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Villa College, University of Jordan and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.
About the programme
The Water and Development Partnership Programme envisions a world where inclusive and diverse partnerships and marginalised knowledges transform the ways we know, use, share and care for water. To achieve this, the programme funds bold, creative and transdisciplinary projects that combine research, education and capacity strengthening activities aimed at creating a peaceful, just and sustainable world. Implemented with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme supports organisations in non-European, low- and middle-income countries as they strengthen their capacity to manage water in sustainable and inclusive ways.
Denise Vanzie
Communication Advisor
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