![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Groundwater.zip-5.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Source: Fiji Government \/ Facebook<\/p>\n
Fiji is facing a mounting freshwater crisis, with almost half of treated water lost through ageing pipes. <\/p>\n
Rural communities remain heavily dependent on shallow and unreliable wells. <\/p>\n
To address the issue, the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, in partnership with the Australian government through Geoscience Australia has launched a major groundwater mapping project on Viti Levu. <\/p>\n
Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo said this was the government\u2019s largest scientific investment in water resources and marks a breakthrough in ensuring rural and maritime communities can access safe, sustainable water through science-based planning. <\/p>\n
The project uses helicopter-mounted electromagnetic sensors to detect underground water reserves at depths of up to 300 metres. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership is a major breakthrough in our efforts to provide reliable groundwater data across Fiji. It means our rural and maritime communities, many of whom rely solely on groundwater, will benefit from science-based planning to ensure safe and sustainable water access.\u201d<\/p>\n
SPC Deputy Director-General Dr Paula Vivili states similar surveys across the Pacific have helped communities under climate pressure, providing critical data for water security.<\/p>\n
The mapping will generate three-dimensional models showing groundwater distribution, water quality indicators, and sustainable yield estimates. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Preliminary results are expected in the coming months to guide immediate planning, with community engagement central to local decision-making. <\/p>\n