Ebeye is an island of just eighty acres in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. It is one of the most crowded islands in the world, housing more people per square kilometre than Manhattan. This congestion makes accessing clean water a significant challenge for the population.
In 2011, Australia provided 180 household water tanks to families living on Kwajalein Atoll. Ebeye is the most populated island on the Atoll, with 12,000 residents. The island benefitted greatly from this easy source of fresh, safe drinking water. This year, Australia is funding a further 250 tanks to ensure 100 per cent of households on Ebeye will have better access to clean water.
As a country of low-lying coral atolls and islands, the Marshall Islands' fragile fresh water resources are under pressure from population growth, urbanisation and economic development. Salt water contamination is also a threat due to rising sea levels.
Every one of the Marshall Islands' atolls and islands is facing problems with water quality and quantity. In a 2010 survey, 53 per cent of all households on both Kwajalein Atoll and Majuro Atoll – the country's most populated atoll – reported that they do not have reliable access to water throughout the year.
Since 1999, the Marshall Islands has gone through four extended dry periods. During this time there have been alarming increases in health issues as a result of households not having enough water for sanitation purposes. The country has experienced outbreaks of typhoid and pink eye, as well as increased levels of gastroenteritis.
The additional water tanks Australia is helping to supply for Ebeye will ensure that all people on the island will be able to store fresh, clean water. This will mean better access to safe drinking water and a reduction in waterborne diseases for the local communities.