A new water laboratory launched today at Mata-ki-Eua, Tongatapu, will enable the Tonga Water Board (TWB) to provide faster, safer water testing for local communities.
The lab was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu.
Previously, water samples were sent to New Zealand, with results taking up to four weeks. This delay hindered timely assessments, especially following the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, which raised concerns about water contamination.
The $500,000 facility, funded by TWB, allows on-site testing for hazardous elements like mercury, lead, and copper.
The new lab will help to detect and test the water we’re dispersing to the people in order to address contamination risks from agricultural runoff and sewage leaks.
Plans to expand testing facilities to Tonga’s outer islands, beginning with ‘Eua, are also in progress.
The lab currently employs five staff members and is accessible to village councils and water companies for quality testing.