Data Driven Evaluation of the Transportation Barriers to Water Access on the Navajo Nation
This project seeks to address water access challenges on the Navajo Nation by analyzing the intersection of transportation challenges, potential transportation risks, and related burdens faced by Diné (Navajo) households through the lens of obtaining water for household use. By leveraging data from the Diné Household Water Survey (DHWS), the project combines geospatial, economic, and water access data to explore the transportation barriers associated with hauling water and purchasing bottled water. The project aims to assess the impact of these barriers on public health, particularly in relation to vehicular accidents, financial costs, and access to safe drinking water in an analysis and evaluation using geospatial analysis, collected data from surveyed households (N=1,800), and existing transportation reports outlining the vehicular- and road-risks on the Navajo Nation. By mapping water hauling routes and analyzing road conditions, the project will identify high-risk areas for accidents, provide insights into transportation infrastructure needs, and estimate the financial burden of water hauling on Diné households. Additionally, this research will help inform the Navajo Nation's water delivery programs and transportation planning efforts, supporting sustainable improvements to water access. In relation to preserving the environment, this project examines how water hauling practices contribute to fuel consumption and road deterioration. By addressing the infrastructure and safety concerns of water hauling, this project aims to optimize resource utilization while promoting improved water accessibility and transportation safety, ultimately improving public health and well-being within the Diné community.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $72,000.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348329
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
1111 Rellis Parkway
Bryan, Texas United States 77807 -
Project Managers:
Ocon, Monica
- Performing Organizations: Baltimore, MD United States
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Principal Investigators:
Barlow, Allison
- Start Date: 20250301
- Expected Completion Date: 20260531
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
- Source Data: 02-06-JHU
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Accessibility; Surveys; Water; Water supply and distribution structures
- Identifier Terms: Navajo Nation
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Environment; Highways; Research;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01976237
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348329
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Jan 13 2026 3:45PM