Everyday use of groundwater has been a common practice for families at Qiolevu settlement in Nausori.

For over 40 years, Elenora Rebelo has relied on ground water from a nearby pond to help her family with every chore.

Ms Rebelo grew up in Qiolevu settlement in Nausori where tap water has never been installed.

She said having no tap water was a blessing in disguise as the family didn’t have to worry about paying water bills.

“We always have a water tank on the side of the house that captures rain water which we use for cooking, drinking and sometimes bathing.

“When there is no rain, we use the nearby creek or pond.

“This is groundwater that flows freely and fresh for us to use.

“This is what we have been using all our life so we have learnt to adapt and improvise on what is available around us,” Ms Rebelo said.

Together with her family, Ms Rebelo runs a small-scale farm that grows ginger, chilies, cabbages, French beans, cassava, dalo and other crops.

Her farm has over the years been raised by water from the creek which is captured using plastic drums.

“Sometimes the water pressure is low from the underground water that feeds into these small creeks and the pond that we use.”

“But we still manage because this water never runs dry.”

“So many times, we have used the creek to wash our clothes especially during good weather.”

“We also use a small pond to wash our farm tools, cooking pots,” she said.

To sustain their water source, Ms Rebelo said families in the settlement have always made proper use of groundwater on the farm.

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