The recent rainfall across the Cook Islands has been a blessing for water supply levels, particularly in Rarotonga, as it provided much-needed relief during the festive period.

Tereapii Timoti, chief executive of To Tatou Vai (TTV), says that the rain was instrumental in helping meet water production targets, which collected around 70 to 80 per cent capacity.

“We were able to catch up on some essential maintenance work that had to be rescheduled due to the ongoing water situation,” Timoti said.

“The rain has certainly been a help in ensuring we had enough water throughout the holidays. However, it’s crucial that we continue to push water conservation efforts.”

He emphasised that while the rainfall was significant, it’s important to remember that water levels can quickly drop.

“As we’ve frequently advised, it only takes a week or two at most for water levels to fall again. We hope that people took the opportunity to fill up their water tanks while they could,” he added.

According to the CEO, TTV remains focused on ensuring that Rarotonga’s water supply is stable for the future.

With the festive period behind them, the focus now shifts to continuing efforts in managing and preserving the available resources.

From December 9 to December 15, the Cook Islands experienced a welcome surge in rainfall that helped alleviate some of the water shortages in Rarotonga and other islands.

This rainfall, recorded by the Cook Islands Meteorological Service, amounted to a significant 212.4mm on Rarotonga alone.

Areas like Nikao received 122.2mm, and Titikaveka gathered 90.2mm, contributing to the island's overall water catchment.

This downpour was not only beneficial for replenishing water supplies but also caused some physical disturbances, including strong water currents that washed debris from the sea onto local shores.

Cleanup efforts were carried out in various locations, including at Trader Jack’s in Rarotonga.

Meanwhile, other islands in the Cook Islands also saw substantial rainfall. Atiu recorded 146.4mm, Mitiaro 126.4mm, Mauke 119mm, and Mangaia 252.6mm. In the Northern Group, Penrhyn received 171.6mm last month, while Manihiki recorded a total of 188.6mm for the week.

Despite the welcomed rainfall, Rarotonga’s ongoing water challenges remain a concern, with many residents depending on stored rainwater.

In the coming weeks, TTV’s focus will remain on both ensuring the ongoing maintenance of the water infrastructure and educating the public on the importance of water conservation.