Indigenous Communities and Water Pollution: A Case Study in Environmental Injustice

Abstract

Sustainable development goals are meant to be inclusive of all population groups. In the United States, Indigenous peoples have historically been discriminated against creating an environmental injustice. Access to clean water is a basic human right and there are long-term health effects that occur due to water pollution. Infrastructure failures in the United States contribute to the lack of access to clean water on Indigenous lands. This study examines the infrastructure failures and environmental pollution that led to the lack of access of clean water on Indigenous lands. Analysis of publicly available spatial data in GIS is expected to show a direct correlation between higher levels of water pollution and location of the Indigenous communities. These findings will likely show that there are higher levels of water pollution on Native American Reservations and consequent health effects. Examining GIS spatial data and creating a map pertaining to this issue will help create a visualization of these findings. Solving this wicked problem of environmental racism is challenging and sometimes seems insurmountable. This study will contribute a small brick in building a path of sustainable development for all people.