Operation
Managing uses
This operation aims to:
- improve water-use knowledge and management by conducting studies and setting up monitoring and management systems
- manage water during dry spells to ease shortages; and
- educate the public on the effects of wastage on the supply system and help introduce water rates
5 actions
This action item aims to develop or strengthen local and country drought-management systems in New Caledonia.
- In order to better meet drinking-water needs, New Caledonia plans to develop an overall clean water master plan so as to gain an overview of drought-prone areas where drinking water is chronically difficult to supply during dry spells.
- In the Voh-Kone-Pouembout (VKP) area, the Northern Province has been operating a drought and water-shortage plan since 2015. The intention is to raise its profile under PROTEGE through posters and by communicating with the holiday industry.
- On the Southern Province’s west coast, there are heavy farm water needs that generate major tensions. The government is working on instituting joint management with farmers who irrigate. PROTEGE could provide support in setting it up.
The water departments of all three New Caledonian provinces assist in managing irrigated land. PROTEGE could strengthen metering devices and management systems to make progress in striking a balance between draw rates and water levels, whilst maintaining the environmental water flows required for the species living in the environment
On Tahiti, French Polynesia intends to conduct a study to ensure needs and available resources in sensitive areas are adequately matched.
On Futuna, the Territory government is embarking on a works programme to refurbish the entire drinking water supply. The water supply can, however, only function properly if users draw moderately on it. The public will be assisted under PROTEGE with the new rates system being set up.