Aboriginal perceptions of incompatibility of location, lifestyle and water resources

This paper conveys the verbal account of Nepabunna community’s perceptions of their water resources, and the usability and sustainability of their water supply. Nepabunna, a remote Aboriginal community in South Australia relies on meagre rainfall for its potable supply. Non-potable groundwater is reticulated to community buildings to make up for the shortage created by the paucity of potable water. One of the issues raised by the community is the incompatibility of its’ location with the available water resources. It is estimated that the groundwater resources will not be able to sustain the community beyond ten to fifteen years. Results indicate an incompatibility between available water and lifestyle, that is, despite the paucity of water, the community has flush toilets and water-based air coolers with the resultant per capita consumption going up to about 836 l/p/d. The community has high expectations in terms of water supply, and for a way forward to be found changes will have to occur in water management, and the community engaged to enable ownership and acceptance of future water supply options.