The frequent drought conditions and low rainfall in Nusa Tenggara Timur mean families spend much of their time collecting water for household use, with little left over for animals or tending vegetable gardens. Limited access to clean water and toilet facilities means disease spreads rapidly, reducing the time children spend at school and the ability adults have to earn income.

NTA addresses this by providing 15,000 litre ferro-cement water tanks and permanent,  well-designed toilet facilities that improve household hygiene, reduce time spent collecting water and provide much-sought dignity and privacy to families. Generally, NTA provides funding for the cement and piping needed in these small projects and local workers undertake the construction, using local materials. This increases the sense of community pride and ownership of projects.