Quantifying hydrologic parameters such as precipitation, streamflow, evapotranspiration,
and aquifer response are fundamental to understanding a region’s hydrological budget, and
thus the availability of water resources. This is particularly important in small island
developing communities where critical water resources are limited. Climate and
streamflow measurements provide information on ground and surface water supply, while
measurement of aquifer parameters such as water level and salinity is imperative for
On Tutuila, the main island in the Territory of American Samoa, sustainable water
resources management is a high priority. Groundwater provides drinking water to over 90%
of the island’s residents. However the sustainability of this resource is threatened by overuse,
salinization of wells, and reduction of water quality—potentially due to prevalent non-point
pollution sources. Proposed solutions to these and other water issues on the island involve
exploration for new groundwater sources with lower contamination potential and