Desalted waters: unveiling and tackling injustice in San Andres Island water crises

Purpose This research centers on islander crisis experiences, unveiling five interconnected layers of water injustice, each contributing to the systemic vulnerabilities. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative analysis of interviews, field observations and reviews of official reports from 2016–2023 conducted under an expedited review approved by the Institutional Review Board. The research adopts a political ecology approach, incorporating a layered analysis of the intersection of water justice, technological advancements and social inequalities. Findings Desalination in San Andrés exacerbates existing social inequalities, creating multiple layers of water injustice. These injustices include the prioritization of water for tourism, spatial inequities in plant locations, lack of community participation in water management, marginalization of traditional water practices and disparities in water quality and access. Research limitations/implications The focus on San Andrés Island may not fully represent the diversity of water crises and justice issues in other regions. Future research should include comparative studies across multiple islands and use multiple methods for a more comprehensive understanding of water injustices. Practical implications A decentralized desalination management approach and inclusive water management practices are necessary. Social implications Recognizing the socio-political dynamics hindering their water access underscores corporate social responsibility in managing environmental issues, especially in tourism-driven economies. Originality/value The research offers a comprehensive analysis of the multi-layered injustices in desalted water management on San Andrés Island that intersect and reinforce one another, creating a cyclical pattern that amplifies vulnerabilities over time. It exemplifies emerging realities of water scarcity in a technological era.