For nearly three years a family of 10 has depended on a freshwater spring and a waterfall deep in the valley of Falelauvao for drinking water.

But the donation of water tanks by Hawai'i-based South Seas Christian Ministries is sure to make life much easier for them, the 64-year-old head of the family, Miki Faamafu, said. 

"There are eight children and grandchildren plus my wife Marina and I so there are 10 of us who live here. We are going on our third year in this location," Mr. Faamafu told the Samoa Observer.

"Before we got our water tank, we would go to a spring that is quite far away from here. That is the water we would use to get our drinking water. It's quite a distance away. If it was not me fetching water here, it was either my daughter, son or daughter-in-law."

The Faamafu family is one of 14 families who have received water tanks from South Seas Christian Ministries in partnership with Red Cross.

Mr. Faamafu said the 2100-liter tank has brought a huge change to their household.

"It's a huge change. This water tank has brought so many changes to our home but we still use the spring on some days when our water supply is low," he said.

"I feel very happy to have to have this water tank. On sunny days, the spring would run dry so we would have to make the journey to a waterfall that comes down the mountain. It is a bit far from our home."

He expressed his gratitude to South Seas Christian Ministries and Red Cross for their assistance.

South Seas spent $20,000 to supply 14 families in Leusoalii, Salelesi, Faleapuna, Lalomauga, Falelauvao, Samusu with water tanks.

Larger families received 5000-litre tanks.

Red Cross helped by identifying the families and need and by transporting and installing the tanks at the various homes.

"I just really want to send a great big thank you to them for their help. It's a big help to us and we don't worry so much anymore about not having water especially on those days when the sun is blazing hot," Mr Faamafu said.

"I express my gratitude to the ministry and all the people who helped to make this happen. There is finally some peace in this home. When we did not have our water tank, we had a really difficult time. It was really hard. I praise and thank God for the help we have received."

He still keeps large barrels beneath the roofing of their home to catch rainwater. 

Water stored in the tank is used for drinking and cooking. 

Water caught in the barrels is used for showers.

"That water is used for taking a shower," he said pointing to the barrels.

"I see that a lot of people don't really care about catching rainwater. People don't care for it and they don't keep barrels out to catch the water. Water is  precious. Water is truly life."