Moqua Well

The Moqua Well is a small underground lake, in Nauru.

Moqua Well
Moqua Well Location of Moqua Well in Nauru
Location	Yaren
Coordinates	0.5466°S 166.920°E / -0.5466; 166.920
Type	underground lake
Basin countries	Nauru
Surface area	2,000 m2 (0.49 acres)
Average depth	2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Max. depth	5 m (16 ft)
Surface elevation	5 m (16 ft)

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.