Confirmation tests from Fiji and New Zealand have cleared the ‘Eua drinking water supply, prompting Tonga’s Ministry of Health to lift its two‑week ban on consumption.
Authorities announced on Friday that laboratory validation found the water safe for drinking, bathing and all normal use, ending a public health restriction first issued earlier this month after elevated lead levels were detected in the island’s public and bore water systems
The clearance marks a significant update two weeks after officials warned residents of ‘Eua not to drink, cook with, or consume water from the public supply after routine tests revealed dangerously high levels of lead.
That earlier advisory followed testing conducted in collaboration with the Tonga Water Board, which showed lead concentrations exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Initial assessments had confirmed that boiling the water would not remove lead, and residents were instructed to rely on rainwater tanks and commercially bottled water while awaiting overseas validation results.
Friday’s announcement ends the temporary reliance on alternative water sources, with health officials affirming that all public and bore water on ‘Eua is now safe.
The Ministry said continued monitoring will remain in place as investigations into the source of the earlier contamination proceed.
The lifting of the ban restores normal water use for households, schools, and businesses across the island, bringing relief to residents after two weeks of uncertainty and restricted access to drinking water.
