National Water Policy 2016.

This National Water Policy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The goals of this Policy are (i) protection of water resources from contamination, (ii) integrated, equitable and sustainable management of water resources, (iii) improved access to safe drinking-water, and (iv) public health.
In order to protect and improve public health and water quality, communities and individuals will be encouraged to participate in ongoing improvements and maintenance of water and sanitation systems through implementation of best practices and compliance with relevant and appropriate standards. Water resources will be managed in a coordinated manner across all agencies and organizations with a responsibility for managing, supplying or monitoring water, as well as with communities, private sector, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
Freshwater resources management will be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner to protect and enhance the quality of water, inland and coastal waters to ensure the health and safety of all Cook Islanders, and terrestrial and marine animals and plant life. Sustainable use and management of water will be ensured with water conservation principle with a special emphasis on the scarcity, fragility and value of our fresh water resources. Moreover, traditional knowledge will be integrated into water resources management. Sustainable and equitable access to safe water for domestic and customary uses will be ensured for current and future generations. Sanitation systems will be improved to meet approved water quality standards. Preventive measures will be taken to prevent serious or irreversible environmental damage or degradation. Fresh water resources will be conserved by minimizing any waste water to ensure the economic viability and environmental sustainability of the country. In order to ensure the protection of freshwater and coastal ecosystems, ecological flows will be maintained in natural streams and waterways to the greatest extent while designing and delivering future water supplies, infrastructure, services and operations. All water-based activities and uses will be conducted in compliance with the international conventions or treaties related to water resource management and environmental protection. Water supplies, water and wastewater treatment and disposal systems will be developed with best-practice global standards to safeguard the environment and the health of communities in the Cook Islands. Capacity building will be enhanced through skills development and data collection for managing water resources and infrastructure. Water supply will be provided in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner by maintaining tanks or other personal water systems. Standards for drinking-water will be established and these standards will be regulated and enforced with penalties for non-compliance. Water used for commercial purposes will be reused and recycled. The most appropriate water sources and storage methods will be improved to ensure adequate and affordable water for horticultural and agricultural production. Farmers and growers will be educated to use techniques that will minimize water use whilst maintaining or increasing crop productivity. In addition to that, commercial and agricultural use of water resources will be carried out in accordance with environmental protection and pollution control. Water quality standards will be established for streams, rivers and creeks to protect natural environment and native species from the impacts of effluent wastewater. Furthermore, groundwater resources will be protected from contamination and pollution. Procedures for testing of fresh water, drinking water and lagoon water will be developed by all agencies to ensure consistency, objectivity, and dependability.
The resilience of water system will be increased to mitigate the impacts of climate change and disasters. Water supply systems will be developed to ensure water security in case of drought and disaster.
The National Sustainable Development Committee shall be the body responsible for oversight of the sustainable planning and resulting actions and initiatives relating to water resources. The National Environment Service shall be responsible for the regulation of water quality of streams, rivers and lagoon areas as well as land use practice that affects the water quality in these bodies. The Community Health Services under the Ministry of Health shall be responsible for the monitoring and regulation of drinking water throughout the country as well as awareness around health safety with respect to practices in treatment for safe drinking water. The Ministry of Marine Resources shall be responsible for water testing of lagoon and coastal areas. The ministry of Agriculture shall be responsible for the encouraging and advocating the use of water conserving methods in agriculture and horticultural practice.