While we say 'rain rain go away' Pacific say 'come back today'

Water insecurity is an increasing risk from climate change. Water security is more of an issue on the low lying islands in the South Pacific. They are at a higher risk of droughts and saltwater inundation caused by high tides (Anthony 2012). Drinking water comes from two sources: rainwater catchments, and shallow wells with a layer of freshwater underlain by saltwater or brackish water (Anthony2012).  The latter is used for cultivation. The freshwater layer (lens) is vulnerable to contamination from the saltwater below, especially if too much freshwater is drawn from the lens (Anthony 2012).

Droughts adversely affect water security, and small islands are vulnerable to them. Events like El Nino can bring on severe ones, a destructive example being El Nino 1997-98. Between January and April 1998, Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands received only 85% of the normal rainfall for the period (Presley 2005). Reduced rainfall puts a higher strain on groundwater resources, and when these are over used saltwater contaminates the supply. Health concerns are great from drought, in Majuro water was only provided for 10 hours every two weeks for its population. Health officials reported more than 1,000 cases of dehydration, drought related skin disease, and respiratory infections (Anthony 2012).

Monitoring has been put in place to minimize future effects of drought. Integrated management of rainwater and groundwater resources is critical for water security (Anthony 2012). Especially in less developed atoll islands in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Federation States of Micronesia (Hamlin& Takasaki, 1996). 

One way to help alleviate chronic water supply shortages during droughts would be to develop groundwater resources for non-potable uses, where feasible, so that rainwater can be saved for drinking and cooking (Anthony 2012).

When its not drought disrupting water security, flooding does. In December 2007 and again in 2008, several atoll islands in the Federated States of Micronesia were flooded by a series of high-sea/surf events (Anthony 2012). These saltwater floods had a serious impact on taro crops as these are cultivated on low central parts of the island (Anthony 2012). The outer islands of Chuuck State, around 90% of all taro crops were destroyed by saltwater inundation (Hezel2009).

Flooding can be influenced by La Niña, higher sea levels occur because of the northeast trade winds increase during the second half of the year (Sweet 2012). In December 2008, La Niña conditions occurred, producing higher-than-normal sea levels (Sweet 2012).

So sorry but the link for the Anthony and Sweet has disappeared, so will have to be in hard copy I am afraid

Anothony, S. (2012) ‘Managing vulnerable water resources in atoll nations’, in Keener, V. et al (ed.) Climate Change and Pacific Islands: Indicators and Impacts, PIRCA: Island Press, 1-2

Sweet, W. (2012) A combination of processes creates extreme water levels and contributes to flooding and erosion in Keener, V. et al (ed.) Climate Change and Pacific Islands: Indicators and Impacts, PIRCA: Island Press, 6-10