Samoa Unveils $102 Million Water Masterplan to Strengthen Climate Resilience by 2035

Samoa’s 2025–2035 Water Supply and Investment Masterplan outlines a $102 million strategy to strengthen water infrastructure, reduce losses, modernize systems, and improve climate resilience across the country. The plan aims to secure safe, reliable, and sustainable water for all Samoans despite growing pressures from population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate change.

Samoa has unveiled an ambitious plan to protect one of its most essential resources: water. The Samoa Water Supply and Investment Masterplan 2025–2035, prepared by the Samoa Water Authority with support from the Asian Development Bank and the Ireland Trust Fund for Building Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in Small Island Developing States, sets out a clear roadmap for the next decade.

The plan identifies more than ST278 million, or about $102 million, in priority investments to strengthen infrastructure, modernize systems, and make water services more resilient to climate change. At its heart is a simple goal: to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable water for all Samoans.

Growing Pressure on a Small Island System

Samoa, with a population of just over 205,000 people, relies heavily on a centralized water supply. The Samoa Water Authority provides reticulated drinking water to around 89 percent of the population. Water is drawn from 56 boreholes and several surface water sources. Surface water is filtered and disinfected, while groundwater is treated with chlorine.

But the system is under pressure. Population growth and urban expansion are stretching supply networks, especially in fast-growing areas of Upolu. In western Upolu, groundwater salinity is increasing. In parts of Savai’i, shallow boreholes and overuse are making the water brackish.

Climate change is adding new risks. Stronger storms wash sediment into rivers, making water treatment more difficult. Longer dry spells and severe droughts threaten supply. At the same time, water consumption remains high at about 187 liters per person per day. Aging pipelines and leaks also mean a significant amount of treated water is lost before it reaches customers.

Fixing Infrastructure and Expanding Supply

The Masterplan outlines 109 projects across urban, rural, and Savai’i areas. These include major upgrades, minor improvements, new boreholes, pipeline replacements, and trunk mains to transport water between regions.

One short-term priority is assessing the Vaea water tank in Apia, which is leaking and currently operating below capacity. In northeast Savai’i, a new borehole, storage tank, and pipe network are planned for the villages of Samalaeulu and Mauga, benefiting more than 1,100 residents. In rural Upolu, the Tiavea Uta and Tai systems will be combined and upgraded with proper treatment facilities to ensure safer drinking water.

Medium-term projects focus on climate resilience. A River Catchment Protection Project will install coconut fiber “biolog” filters along riverbanks to reduce erosion and sediment entering water sources. In Tafitoala, a new borehole will strengthen the supply during dry periods. On Manono Tai island, a solar-powered booster pump is proposed to improve water pressure delivered through an underwater pipeline.

Long-term plans also support housing expansion, particularly in the STEC Mulifanua subdivision area west of Apia, where infrastructure is being designed for future population growth.

Going Digital and Improving Efficiency

Beyond physical upgrades, the Masterplan calls for a digital transformation of the utility. A recent assessment found that management systems need modernization. The plan recommends stronger supervisory control systems, smart meters for customers, and better maintenance management tools.

Smart meters would allow more accurate billing and reduce water losses. The authority is also exploring new financial management systems to replace outdated platforms. Solar energy options for boreholes, deeper drilling equipment to access fresher groundwater, and updated engineering standards are also part of the modernization effort.

Training and capacity building are key. Staff will receive support in areas such as asset management, leak detection, hydraulic modeling, and desalination technology. The aim is to build a stronger, more efficient water utility for the future.

Financing the Future

While the vision is clear, funding remains a challenge. During the COVID 19 pandemic, a government-mandated 20 percent tariff reduction significantly reduced revenue, especially from households, which provide most of the utility’s income. Rising global costs and inflation have added further strain.

The Masterplan presents different options for implementation, including adjusting tariffs or delaying certain investments to ensure the utility can cover its operating costs. External funding and strong partnerships will be crucial.

In the end, the Masterplan is more than a list of projects. It is a national commitment to protect water security in the face of climate change, population growth, and economic pressure. If successfully implemented, it could ensure that safe and reliable water continues to flow for generations to come.