Taylor Billey
The Diné Household Water Survey (DHWS) aims to understand Navajo household water access, usage, and behaviors through community-engaged research. Using cross-sectional, population-based sampling, the DHWS draws a representative sample of households within each study region. A community-engaged mapping exercise was used to identify all possible households for random selection. The DHWS was conducted in Fort Defiance Agency from 2022 to 2023, and then scaled to the Chinle Agency from 2024 to 2025. Findings prompted the study team to trial a full census assessing water access in Naschitti Chapter which is ongoing. Community members and water sector stakeholders informed survey development. The DHWS team received local support from Chapters and Agencies, prior to seeking approval from the University and Tribal review boards. The survey collected data on water sources, uses, quality, quantity, and reliability, as well as water insecurity and hauling practices. It also captured household preferences for water access solutions. Drinking water from a subset of households in both Chinle and Fort Defiance Agencies were tested for contaminants, including biological, metal, and chemical pollutants. This research is conducted in partnership with the Navajo Nation, and all data are governed by the Tribe’s protocols and approvals. Results are disseminated directly to Navajo Tribal government, Chapter officials, and stakeholders before academic publication to support data-driven solutions and policy decisions. Community-engaged approaches to design culturally relevant methods that center Tribal authority and collective benefit are at the core of this work. We strive to share this story and present key findings from DHWS.