Malynndra Tome was mapping livestock ponds in the Navajo Nation when she saw something that stirred her deeply. An elderly woman was filling jugs with water behind a gas station. In this community, around 30% of people lack running water.
Tome, who grew up in Ganado, Arizona, couldn’t believe this was happening in the United States, a country seen as powerful and progressive. "How can we live this way?" she wondered.
A recent report suggests ways for communities like hers, often overlooked, to develop stronger water systems amid climate change. The report calls for nature-based solutions, tailored approaches, and the use of technology, while also acknowledging the barriers many face.
Shannon McNeeley, a senior researcher at the Pacific Institute and an author of the report, shared her hope that it would inspire action: “Even with uncertain federal funding, I believe communities will find ways to adapt.”
The effects of climate change have intensified weather extremes, disrupting essential water access. For example, after Hurricane Helene in September, over 100,000 people in western North Carolina were advised to boil their water due to system damage. Similarly, wildfires in January made drinking water unsafe for some Los Angeles residents—a first for certain local utilities.
Furthermore, aging water systems leak trillions of gallons of water, causing financial strain on poor communities. In the Navajo Nation, about 30% of households still struggle without running water. Many residents travel long distances to access public taps, as confirmed by the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The report highlights the retreat of federal resources under recent administrations, which have cut or paused funding for critical water infrastructure. Greg Pierce, from UCLA’s Human Right to Water Solutions Lab, emphasizes the low likelihood of seeing federal action for the next few years. “It’s a tough time for these communities,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the report offers new solutions. It reviews existing studies and experts’ insights to guide low-income communities in building resilient water systems. Some highlighted technologies include rainwater harvesting and gray water reuse systems, which can help meet water needs while reducing demand. Yet, implementation often proves too costly for poorer areas.
Nature-based solutions, like wetlands, are also gaining attention. Research indicates they can mitigate drought severity, manage floods, and clean water supplies. Florida offers a prime example, where officials invest heavily in engineered wetlands to safeguard drinking water sources.
The report advocates for government programs to assist low-income households with water bills—a strategy initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some approaches, however, face criticism for being overly complex for smaller communities. Gregory Moller from the University of Idaho noted that solutions must be adaptable for smaller systems.
Yet, there are success stories. The Navajo Nation has seen an increase in solar-powered water systems, providing access to over 2,000 people. Kimberly Lemme, from DigDeep, which installs these systems, acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes that solutions are emerging.
“Water is a basic human right,” Tome says, inspired by her encounter. She pursued a doctorate in water resources to advocate for better access. "For people to live healthy, productive lives, water is essential."
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