Recognizing the dynamics of household water insecurity in the rapidly changing polar north: Expected uncertainties in access, quality, and consumption patterns in Niugtaq (Newtok), Alaska

Abstract

Variability of water sources and water consumption patterns throughout the year is an under-explored characteristic of household water insecurity globally. In this paper, I examine how expected uncertainties in access and quality, as well as and cultural dimensions shape experiences of household water insecurity in a remote Alaska Native community detrimentally affected by climate change. I use ethnographic and quantitative data from Niugtaq (Newtok), Alaska, as a case study to explore how household water security is affected by sudden changes in water access and quality, water sources, and cultural dynamics. Under normal conditions, the community uses an average of 7.2 l per capita per day (lpcd, 1.9 Gal/c/d) of water from the central facility. However, individual households reported great variation in their water use patterns, from 1.1 to 16.2 l/c/d (0.3 to 4.23 Gal/c/d). The primary factors affecting per capita treated water consumption are those that affect reliable access to an improved water source throughout the year. Household consumption of natural sources is a strategy to increase water access, and reflects how concerns about quality and safety of treated water that are part of the water insecurity experience. At the same time, consumption of natural sources reflects their cultural importance. This case study suggests that providing reliable access at least one improved water source, and incorporating trusted (traditional) water sources into improved water source development may be an effective approach to improving household water security in Indigenous communities affected by climate change.