Our Objective:
To propose economically feasible solutions that align with Diné values to improve water quality and accessibility in the Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation faces a severe lack of access to potable water. As of 2018, 40% of households do not have access to running water (Dig Deep, 2018) , and the region has experienced periods of drought for more than a century (Crimmins, 2013). The lack of reliable access to clean water presents a barrier to the safety, health, and wellbeing of Diné living in the Navajo Nation. As this year's class of Terrascope, a first-year learning community at MIT, we focused on Navajo water security, ensuring sustainable access to adequate amounts of clean water for the Navajo Nation.
The Navajo Nation faces a severe lack of access to potable water. As of 2018, 40% of households do not have access to running water (Dig Deep, 2018) , and the region has experienced periods of drought for more than a century (Crimmins, 2013). The lack of reliable access to clean water presents a barrier to the safety, health, and wellbeing of Diné living in the Navajo Nation. As this year's class of Terrascope, a first-year learning community at MIT, we focused on Navajo water security, ensuring sustainable access to adequate amounts of clean water for the Navajo Nation.
Learn more about water in the Navajo Nation
Through discussion with members of the Diné community and our own research, the class has been attempting to understand the multi-faceted problem over the course of a semester.
Learn about solutions the class has developed
With some understanding of the issue, we have developed strategies that address water supply, accessibility, and contamination.
Our Solution:
Implementing well-documented filtration and water collection and storage methods, conserving water in agriculture, and getting youth involved in the issue of water scarcity facing their community
Filtration
Removing common contaminants such as uranium and arsenic can make accessible water sources safe for use
Water Collection
Groundwater collection and rain water collection techniques can be improved to increase water availability
Agriculture
Agriculture is an important part of Diné culture and economy. If more sustainable agricultural practices can be implemented, water can be diverted to other areas of need
Outreach
Getting youth involved in working with and learning about new water initiatives that address water security issues in their community is important
What is Mission 2022?
We are this year's class of Terrascope, a first-year learning community at MIT with a focus on tackling sweeping, global environmental challenges.
