The Ohio State University's Global Water Institute (GWI) is working to address the Navajo Nation's water access crisis. The Nation is a federally recognized tribe with over 300,000 members and reservation lands in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah in the four corners region of the United States. 

The region has been facing extreme drought conditions for over a decade, leading to severe water scarcity and significant challenges in food security, agriculture, sanitation, and public health. GWI has initiated a comprehensive plan to provide sustainable solutions and support the Navajo people.

GWI is collaborating with Navajo Nation members to ensure the project is community-driven. Despite delays caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, the Ohio State team has been on the ground, upgrading and repairing water pumps and well casings in several communities. They also plan to purchase and bring a multimillion-dollar well-drilling rig to the reservation. They aim to establish two new water access points weekly over the next several years, benefiting over 150 rural communities.

In addition to improving water access, the project focuses on agricultural training and community gardens. The scarcity of fresh produce in the Navajo Nation has contributed to various health problems, including a high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. GWI aims to establish community gardens at different community meeting places to provide a critical source of fresh produce. They have installed five gardens with drip irrigation systems and water tanks, employing efficient methods to keep crops alive. Faculty, staff, and students from Ohio State have conducted workshops to teach irrigation management and soil enhancement techniques.

GWI was founded in 2016 to address water issues worldwide and collaborates with industry, educational institutions, government and non-governmental organizations. The project has garnered strong support from various partners, including Assist International, Duke University, Suez WTS Systems USA, WorldServe International, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and Navajo Nation.

While the project operates on a five-year plan, Ohio State University and its partners are committed to long-term involvement with Navajo Nation, addressing the region's water access, agriculture, and related challenges. Through their efforts, GWI and its collaborators aim to improve the lives and well-being of the Navajo people by providing sustainable water solutions, promoting agriculture, and fostering community development.

Learn more by visiting Ohio State Alumni Magazine's story, Ohio State boosting water access in Navajo Nation.