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Remote village lacks indoor plumbing

Environmental Project Highlight

Where: Village of Moenkopi, Hopi Reservation, Coconino County, Arizona

Problem: The Utility board needed training in its roles and responsibilities to become a functioning board, properly run the utility, manage daily operations and maintain health in the village.

Solution: RCAC provided board and operator training and assistance with funding applications.

Moenkopi Village is located on the Hopi reservation in northern Arizona, near Tuba City. The village is isolated, but it also is developing from tourism. According to the 2000 Census, 10.4 percent of Moenkopi homes lack indoor plumbing.

The village established the Moenkopi Utility Authority (MUA) to operate drinking water and wastewater services. RCAC has provided training to the water utility board and its operator on how to properly run the utility and manage its day-to-day operations. At the request of the board, RCAC prepared a five-year budget, but based it on operating costs, not income as was the authority’s practice. The shortfall was surprising to the board members, and they discussed ways to raise the necessary revenue.

Numerous meetings with utility staff and board members were held to clarify issues in the budget. Public meetings were held as the utility moved to install water meters and develop a rate increase to properly operate and maintain the drinking water systems. Although the rate setting training was designed for Moenkopi, five other Hopi villages attended the training.

RCAC originally gained the utility board’s trust by developing a required vulnerability assessment and emergency response plan. RCAC is continuing to provide planning, technical, managerial and financial assistance so this tribal community achieves its goal.

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