1st International Conference on Rain Water Cistern Systems
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA - June 1982

Section 4: Water Quality

Page 266

Rain Water Cistern Utilization In Selected Hamlets Of The Republic Of Belau, Western Caroline Islands

Christine O'Meara
University of Hawaii, USA

Introduction

An examination of water procurement through the use of rain water cisterns should include not only rainfall data and the mechanical and the technical aspects of catchment systems, such as their design r operation, but equally important is the utilization of this water resource. The true test of the effectiveness of a rain water cistern system rests with those persons who will utilize the contained water supply. Fresh water usage is the result of deliberate human action and it is not surprising to find that particular types of water, depending upon its source, its quality, its quantity or availability, and its accessibility, have specific uses.

The following report summarizes the more salient pints regarding rain water catchment utilization based on a recent investigation o£ fresh water usage in the Republic of Belau, formerly Palau. Entitled "An Investigation of Social Aspects of Fresh Water Use in Selected Hamlets of Belau" (O'Meara, in press) and conducted by the author, that study serves as the basis of this report. While the aim of the previous study was (1) the identification and mapping of traditional, historical, and modern freshwater sites and (2) the broader examination of freshwater utilization, the information presented here concerns rain water cistern systems and includes a description of historical and modern catchment systems, their utilization, and their water quality.

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