Comparison of Freshwater Use Customs on Ulithi Atoll with Those of Selected Other Micronesian Atolls

摘要

Freshwater catchment, storage, and distribution systems, along with fresh water use customs, in particular areas of Micronesia are discussed. Special attention is paid to Ulithi Atoll in the Western Caroline Islands. The average annual rainfall on atoll islands of Micronesia is high (over 100 inches). There are also significant groundwater resources. However, severe water shortages are often experienced, especially during the dry season. The field work was undertaken at a time of drought conditions on Ulithi, at the end of the dry season in June, 1983. True freshwater shortages were apparent, but Ulithians carried out a variety of coping strategies that made the impact of the drought less severe.