Paradise Comes with Limits

The ocean may be endless, but fresh water on islands is not

Words: Phoowadon Duangmee

Water defines daily life on islands. Though surrounded by the sea, island communities are often short on fresh water and have long known what travellers are only just starting to understand – that abundance is an illusion. To sustain island life, we must recognize that every drop of water from the tap counts, because its source is not a flowing river, but sporadic rain that falls from the sky.

On popular Thai islands like Phuket and Samui, reservoirs are fed by monsoon cycles that are growing increasingly unpredictable. Groundwater reserves, once taken for granted, are now being drained by surging demand from tourists coupled with longer dry spells. Take a lingering shower or bath with a sea view and you could be drawing water from the same source that feeds farms, fishing villages and household wells.

For islanders, living well means adapting and cooperating within the limits of their ocean-bound home. In Bali, for instance, the ancient subak water-management system still irrigates rice terraces, preserving water as a shared resource rather than a private commodity. Across the Maldives, where fresh water is scarce, resorts and local communities rely on rainwater collection, solar-powered filtration and greywater systems – driven by necessity rather than sustainability rhetoric.

However, for travellers, conserving water doesn’t have to mean giving up luxury and comfort. Opting for accommodation that invests in rainwater harvesting, efficient plumbing and responsible water management makes a huge difference. Simple decisions like shorter showers, reuse of linen and towels, and fewer laundry requests lead to long-term benefits for island dwellers. Dining choices also matter: locally sourced seafood and produce typically require less water than ingredients flown in, especially to satisfy international palates.

Water also shapes island culture. Wells, canals, cycles of the tide and seasonal fishing patterns are the tapestry of daily life, offering a reminder that water is both a vital resource and a cultural anchor. Local communities on islands like Samui or the Maldivian archipelago understand that water must be respected, monitored and shared.

Travelling sustainably on islands is about treading lightly, with humility and awareness. The sea may stretch endlessly, but fresh water is limited – shaping landscapes, culture and the very survival of island life.