Moqua Well

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Moqua Well
Moqua Well-en.svg
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Moqua Well
Location of Moqua Well in Nauru
Location Yaren
Coordinates 0°32′48″S166°55′12″E / 0.5466°S 166.920°E / -0.5466; 166.920
Type underground lake
Basin  countriesNauru
Surface area2,000 m2 (0.49 acres)
Average depth2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Max. depth5 m (16 ft)
Surface elevation5 m (16 ft)

The Moqua Well is a small underground lake in Nauru.

Contents

History

During World War II, Moqua Well was the primary source of drinking water for inhabitants of Nauru. [1] It is for this reason that the body of water is referred to as a well instead of a lake. [2]

In 2001, Nauruan authorities decided to put up a fence to prevent accidents, after an alcohol-related drowning in the same year. [1] [2]

Location

The well is located below the Yaren district. The Moqua Well is not well known, one of a few attractions in Nauru. Nearby are the Moqua Caves, a series of caves below Yaren.

Linguistic disambiguation

The name of the well 'Moqua' (sometimes referred to as 'Makwa') is derived from the former name by which Yaren was known.

References

  1. 1 2 "Moqua Caves and Moqua Well", Gatis Pāvils, 30 October 2011.
  2. 1 2 "Nauru – Attractions", iExplore.

See also