Navajo Nation residents face coronavirus without running water

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Margie Barton unfolded a map of Dilkon in Navajo Nation and pointed to the clusters of households representing 90% of its residents living without running water. Barton is the coordinator of the Dilkon Chapter House, the local administrative and communal center, and is involved in almost all aspects of keeping services up and running for the community — including access to clean water.

About 30% of the population in the Navajo Nation does not have running water in their homes during a time when hand-washing is critical. It also has one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates per capita in the U.S., after New York and New Jersey.

"Once it was brought to our attention just how many people were catching and dying from it — that's when it hit home here in Dilkon. All of a sudden, everybody is scared," said Barton.

In response, the Navajo Nation quickly instated the country's most extensive lockdown orders, but inadequate infrastructure and lack of access to basic needs is intensifying the crisis. Homes without running water may only have a 50-gallon tank to siphon water out of, requiring careful use at a time when families can't afford to ration water.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/navajo-nation-residents-face-coronavirus-without-running-water/ar-BB13OvaI?li=BBnb7Kz

[GusBob]

1. The Agency on which I live and work

Water shortages are often an issue. During the early stages of the pandemic is was at crisis stage. As a health care provider in the clinic. It was dicey. We were required to wash our clothes and shower after work. The water pressure was so low I just put my clothes in a big garbage bag and eked out a trickle military shower. Some non essential parts of the clinic shuttered and water shut off.
Fortunately the snow melted up top and filled the reservoirs

[2naSalit]

2. Back in the mid 1970s

I hauled a truckload of water pipe to Ft. Defiance. It was like entering a third world. It was the first time I had been on the rez. where I actually had that as my destination. Decades later, in the early 2000s one of my fellow grad student did their internship there, a student from the African continent. When he returned I asked him what he thought of it. He looked at me, sadly shook his head and said, 2na, it is like a third world country, it is so sad to see in America.

Time doesn't change everything it would seem, at least in some places.

[Wellstone ruled]

3. How I can relate.

The Navajo Rez purchases tons of supplies from DIY Stores in Washington County Utah. And yes,did a couple delivery runs to Page and then south out on the Rez. So many homes without Water or Electricity,and your trying ones best not getting a Flat Bed Semi Stuck in the silt roads as you traverse your way with a load of OSB and Stud Wall Materials.

Wind Mills for pumping water for their Sheep as well as their personal use . Solar panels are now starting to appear in a effort to electrify home by home since Arizona Light and Power as well as Kane County REA refuses to run a power grid through out the Rez.

[2naSalit]

4. You have more first hand than me...

I've passed through that area many times but didn't have reason to stop. What had was a load of slippery PVC for potable water. I had to reset the whole mess on the way over from Denver. It was an experience, the kind you don't forget. When I got there, my reception was confused since I was not what they expected when I rolled in but they got over it pretty quick. They were glad to have the pipe.

[Wellstone ruled]

5. Our DIY store usually had a full Flat Bed

load every two weeks going to Page and south into the Rez along 98 and occasionally into Kayenta. Usually our 28 foot Straight job made the Page and Mexican Hat run every Thursday. Usually two guys on each trip. Appliances required two people. Hundred fifty plus miles to Page alone so it mean a four am or earlier start for those Guys.

It is a real wake up the first time one drives thru the Navajo Rez. Over the years one develops friendships with the Tribal Leadership and the true story of just how ugly their lot in life is if one takes the time to ask. With the San Juan County Utah Commissioner's having a Navajo Majority,after the 2018 elections,things are slowly changing for the better despite the GOP ruling party controlling the balance of the State. Temple Square has pulled ever trick in the books to change the past elections in favor of their Anointed Electors.