Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Government of Kiribati (1995) reported that the water from the water pool on the southern
end of Enderbury was salty.
Di Piazza and Pearthree (2004) presented water quality data on various terrestrial water
sources on Enderbury, Abariringa (Kanton), Rawaki (Phoenix), Manra, and Orona (see Table
III-3.1).
MANRA (SYDNEY)
Arundel (1885) reported an old water hole on the west side of the lagoon on Manra (Sydney)
with excellent fresh water (see also Wiens 1962).
Hydrographic Office (1916) reported that there was no freshwater on Manra (Sydney).
Bryan (1934) reported that on the southeast side was a low area with a slightly brackish pond.
Maude (1937) reported that the existing well had excellent freshwater. An additional well
was dug in the southwest of the island, but the water from it was not drinkable. Additional
wells were dug. Wells on the west and northwest parts of the island had freshwater. Those
elsewhere had brackishwater.
There are several wells that provide brackish water (Hydrographic Office 1940).
Garnett (1983) reported that there was no standing surface freshwater on Manra (Sydney).
There was a freshwater lens at the western and north-western end of the island, but these fail
and wells go brackish after prolonged drought conditions.
Government of Kiribati (1995) reported that wells were 2 to 3 m deep on Manra. Water from
the old well and the two newly dug wells were fresh and drinkable.
Di Piazza and Pearthree (2004) presented water quality data on various terrestrial water
sources on Enderbury, Abariringa (Kanton), Rawaki (Phoenix), Manra, and Orona (see Table
III-3.1).
MCKEAN
Bryan (1934) reported that there was no freshwater on McKean.
Throssell and Specht (1989) reported that there was no surface freshwater on McKean.
Garnett (1983) reported that there was no evidence of a freshwater lens on McKean.
NIKUMARORO (GARDNER)
Bryan (1934) reported that no freshwater could be found on Nikumaroro (Gardner) by the
U.S. Exploring Expedition. But the presence of rats may suggest the presence of freshwater.
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