Reports

Report Number: 28
Year: 1981
 

The Development of a Village Water Supply System in Truk

The village of Newman on Moen Island, Truk, was selected as the site for a pilot project that would lead to improvements in the village water supply system. Prior to the project, each household had to provide for its own water supply from rooftop rainwater catchments or shallow wells. During the dry season, it was often necessary to travel great distances to obtain a supply of potable water.

Since Newman is a fairly traditional village, a strong effort was made to consider cultural factors in the planning and design of the water system. In spite of this effort, misunderstandings of these cultural factors were largely responsible for the failure to complete the project. These factors included permission to use the land on which the water source to be developed was located, as well as attitudes toward physical labor and money. In addition, in hindsight, it was recognized that the water system, as planned, may have been too complex to be operated and maintained on the village level. Also, funding had not been identified that would be sufficient to complete all phases of the project.

The portions of the project that are expected to be completed are a long, concrete-lined trench for collection of shallow groundwater and a sand filter. These will improve both the quantity and quality of water available for consumption. Facilities for water storage and distribution are not expected to be completed.

Author(s):
Stephen J. Winter
Rebecca A. Stephenson