Most of the Cape Verde Islands is desert. Most of Santo Antao is uninhabited, due to lack of water. Water, therefore, is a luxury and is considered as such by all Cape Verdians.

On some islands, like Sao Vicente, Santiago or Boa Vista, water is obtained by desalination methods.
On Santo Antao, however, it is obtained from natural springs. The water is canalized to the tanks; where the water is stored.

There are two different types of tanks; closed and open ones. The closed ones are used for drinking, showering or for washing. The open tanks are used for the irrigation of the fields. During the warmest days, these are used as natural swimming pools.