Catalyzing the community: Chemists and Navajo leaders educate on clean water
Many Native American communities in rural areas rely on well water, but the quality and safety of that water can vary significantly. Researchers led by Jani C. Ingram measured levels of heavy metals in well water on tribal lands through a community partnership with the Navajo Nation. After compiling their water-quality data, the researchers and tribal leaders developed best practices for…
Many Native American communities rely on well water, but its quality can be inconsistent. Researchers from Northern Arizona University, led by Jani C. Ingram, collaborated with the Navajo Nation to study heavy metal contamination in tribal well water. They discovered that uranium and other heavy metals had seeped into water sources due to abandoned uranium mines from the Cold War era.
Up to 30% of Navajo homes are on private well water, not covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Ingram found uranium levels in some wells exceeding the EPA's safe drinking water limit of 30 parts per billion, with elevated arsenic and manganese levels as well. Ingram and her team worked with Navajo Nation leaders to create culturally appropriate educational materials and distribute them at tribal meetings.
They also made their data accessible through a university-built website mapping tested wells. Ingram aims to provide peer-reviewed water-quality data to the Navajo Nation, enabling them to advocate for improved infrastructure.
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