Cook Islands Sanitation Policy.

Cook Islands Sanitation Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The purpose of the Sanitation Policy is to provide a high-level framework and a set of guiding principles for the sanitation sector in the Cook Islands. Therefore, this Policy lays down strategies for safe disposal of sewage and other wastewater and the promotion of health and hygiene practices in the Cook Islands.
Wastewater treatment and disposal systems will be developed in compliance with global standards to safeguard the environment and the health of communities in the Cook Islands. The cooperation between the Government and all relevant Ministries and Agencies, communities, businesses and other stakeholders will be strengthened for effective implementation of this Policy. Communities and individuals will be encouraged to participate in on-going improvements and maintenance of water and sanitation systems through the implementation of best practices and compliance with relevant and appropriate standards with a view to protecting and improving public health and water quality. All on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems will be improved safely, effectively and in a sustainable manner. The responsibility for maintenance and upgrade of all on-site treatment and disposal treatment systems lies with the user. All private connections to the public sewerage system will be installed and maintained at the cost of the user. Existing septic tanks that do not comply with the standards wil be upgraded and replaced. Sanitation systems will be designed and constructed according to the local conditions and operational capability, and local capacity will be enhanced as part of each project to achieve sustainable outcomes. Water quality monitoring of the streams, groundwater and lagoon will be conducted regularly. The capacities of commercial and residential animal farmers will be enhanced to manage their animals in ways that minimize the potential impacts on the environment. Public awareness programmes will be carried out to encourage and support the development and implementation of sanitation best practice programmes that provide learning opportunities to the wider community. Operational management and maintenance of public sanitation infrastructure will be undertaken in consultation with affected parties, landowners and communities.