Island Research & Education Initiative (IREI)

On request by the Water & Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific (WERI) , we have been collecting hydrologically relevant data in the outer islands of the FSM. When visiting a particular island, we evaluate a range of issues (listed below) by making firsthand observations, interviewing local leaders and residen ts, and compiling a photo-documentation. This work is currently in progress. When complete, the final report will be submitted to hydrogeologists at WERI, who will use the data to make informed decisions regarding future studies and sustainable water resource management policies.

>>>> Rainwater catchment and storage

Drinking water in the islands comes from rain. We make observations regarding the type of rain catchment systems used on the islands, the number and locations of catchment sites, the type and sizes of water storage tanks, and the condition of surfaces and gutters used to catch the water. We note when and under what circumstances the catchment systems were first introduced. We also estimate the abundance of coconuts on each island and their reliability as a source of liquids.

Traditionally, Micronesians consider groundwater unsuitable for drinking, but use it for other purposes. We record the number of shallow wells and their locations, along with information on their construction and current state. We interview residents about the quality of groundwater and their uses of it.

Extremely small land area of atolls islets makes them especially vulnerable to contamination. We observe waste disposal methods on each island, noting different ways for the disposal of human waste and garbage. We visually estimate the effects of garbage disposal practices on landscape contamination levels.

Prior to Christianization, Micronesian people practiced sea burials. In this century, even the islanders on most remote atolls have began burying their dead, which can have detrimental effects on extremely limited groundwater resources on small islets. In interviews with local residents, we collect information on burial sites and practices and existence of formal cemeteries.

Some atolls have meteorological data collection stations. We record information on their state (operable or not) and range of data being collected, as well as people locally in charge and collecting agencies.