Water scarcity remains a pressing issue within the Navajo Nation, where approximately 30% of the population lacks access to running water. This was poignantly illustrated when Malynndra Tome, a resident involved in mapping livestock ponds, witnessed an elderly woman drawing water from a gas station’s backlot, highlighting the stark realities many face. “How can we be living in the United States of America … one of the most powerful countries in the world, and people are living like this here?” Tome lamented.

The Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation covering over 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, grapples with outdated infrastructure and the impacts of climate change, which exacerbate the challenges related to water access.

The Impact of Climate Change and Recent Policy Shifts

Recent extreme weather events, heightened by climate change, have further disrupted water supply systems across the U.S. For instance, after Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, over 100,000 residents faced boil-water notices due to significant damage done to local water infrastructure.

In California, wildfires have led several water providers to declare their drinking water unsafe, showcasing the urgent need for resilient systems in vulnerable areas. As the report indicates, many U.S. communities, particularly impoverished ones, are stuck with aging water infrastructure that results in substantial water loss and financial burden for the residents.

Moreover, changes during the Trump administration halted several federal funding sources for essential water infrastructure improvements, reinforcing existing disparities and neglecting policies aimed at environmental justice.

Strategic Solutions for Resilience

A recent report collated by the Pacific Institute, in partnership with DigDeep and the Center for Water Security and Cooperation, offers insights into how underserved communities can enhance their water systems, despite considerable challenges. The report emphasizes the following:

• Nature-Based Solutions: Initiatives such as wetlands can significantly mitigate drought impacts, manage floods, and enhance water quality.
• Technological Advances: Solutions like rainwater harvesting systems and gray water reuse are highlighted for their potential to reduce demand and bolster resilience, although costs may be prohibitive for smaller communities.
• Government Assistance: The report advocates for financial support programs to aid low-income households in managing their water and sewer costs, much like the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community-Specific Success Stories

Despite the challenges outlined, there are positive developments in specific communities. For example, over 2,000 residents in the Navajo Nation have benefited from the installation of solar-powered home water systems, which provide much-needed running water. Kimberly Lemme from DigDeep noted that while the process can be complex, it demonstrates that viable solutions exist.

“Water is a basic human right,” Tome emphasized, which inspired her commitment to pursuing a doctorate focused on water resources. “For people to live productively and healthily, having access to water is essential.”