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In September 2022, the Diné community of Westwater in Utah reached a significant milestone as electricity was introduced to homes for the first time. This first phase of a two-part project was achieved through the collaboration of several organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which contributed $500,000.
Almost three years later, this spirit of partnership has continued, culminating in the completion of the project's second phase—bringing running water to Westwater homes. Leaders from state, community, and the Church gathered on April 25, 2025, at the Utah State University Blanding campus to commemorate this achievement.
Elder Michael A. Dunn of the North America Southwest Area Presidency spoke about the collaboration, emphasizing the joint efforts of the Navajo Nation, the state of Utah, the city of Blanding, the residents of Westwater, the Navajo Tribal Utility, and the Church of Jesus Christ. "We were so grateful to come to the table with state and local and tribal organizations who really wanted to help," Elder Dunn remarked.
The project addressed a longstanding need, as residents of the 21-home community had waited more than two decades for running water. Utility workers began connecting pipes and removing cisterns in March, providing clean and reliable water access to the community, which had previously depended on stored tank water and hauled jugs.
Thomas Chee, Westwater Community President, reflected on the transformation during the celebration. He recalled participating in water hauling as a community effort in the past. "It was a big process. We had to nominate people just to haul water," Chee noted, recalling that it was mostly volunteers who undertook this task.
Chee shared the emotional impact of turning on his faucet for the first time. "A lot of people are excited. It’s been an emotional up-and-down roller coaster," he said. "I got emotional just turning on my own faucet for the first time."
The significance of this cooperative effort was echoed by Utah Lt. Governor Deidre M. Henderson. "What this project shows is that the impossible becomes possible when we work together," she stated. She emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming the challenges faced.
The Church's efforts to support Navajo communities are part of its broader humanitarian initiatives. In 2021, it worked with DigDeep to provide running water to homes lacking basic plumbing in New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona reservations. Elder Dunn highlighted the Church's commitment to humanitarian efforts worldwide, saying, "Our scriptures teach that all are alike unto God."
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