Pacific Islands face challenges of low water accessibility and increasing climate threats posing risks to populations. These challenges are compounded by public health concerns related to poor nutritional outcomes and obesity. Using household survey data from Kiribati, this study contributes to the literature by analyzing the relationship between access to safe drinking water and risky behaviors leading to obesity. The findings reveal a significant negative association between access to a piped water system and purchases of soft and sweet beverages (SSB). Compared to households with a piped water system, those relying on groundwater and rainwater purchase 381 and 406 extra grams of SSB per week, respectively. Thus, improving access to safe water can be a relevant public policy to prevent hazardous beverage consumption and obesity, along with the already documented positive outcomes such policies can have for human health and economic development. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.