Village water source connects closely to ethnic groups’ daily lives in Central Highlands

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Nestled under green foliage, the water source in Ho village, Cuor Dang commune, Dak Lak province, serves as a familiar gathering place for locals. According to Ede tradition, securing a reliable water source is an important criterion when choosing a location to establish a village.

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The concrete-paved pathway leading down to Ho village's water source makes travel and water carrying much easier for residents. While the surrounding space has been upgraded, it remains closely tied to the villagers' daily routines.

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In the morning or late afternoon, residents of Ho village bring their containers down to the water source for daily use. Even as living conditions evolve, fetching water directly from the source remains a steadfast habit for many families.

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The image of ethnic women carrying water containers or gourds has long been closely tied to the daily life of the E de and other communities in the Central Highlands.

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Clear and cool water flows from natural underground springs, channeled through pipes installed by residents at the water source in Ho village. For the E de people, natural water sources have sustained generations of life, making the protection of these veins of water a deeply cherished communal responsibility.

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The water source is also a gathering spot where villagers meet, exchange greetings, and converse while fetching water, helping maintain close bonds among families and the village community.

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Preserving the village water source is closely linked to the communal responsibility of protecting the living environment. Consequently, villagers share a strong awareness of keeping the water collection area clean and safeguarding surrounding greenery to protect the purity of the underground springs.

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By the flowing streams, water containers, baskets, and gourds evoke the familiar daily rhythms of life in the Central Highlands. While water-fetching tools may evolve over time, the tradition of walking down to the water source remains a steadfast part of village life.

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Villagers carry water back home after a trip down to the water source

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Even as well water and tap water become increasingly common, the water source in Ho village continues to draw residents, keeping E de cultural practices alive.