Importance and Shortage of Drinking Water in Nepal

Importance of Water

Water is one of the essential conditions of life. Only the earth has a life because of water. But drinking water should be clean and free from contamination. If it is contaminated, it causes many diseases. The health of people greatly depends on the quality of drinking water. Supply of poor drinking water may affect the manpower provision of development because unhealthy people cannot be useful manpower. The demand for drinking water is growing with population growth and urbanization. It is the prime duty of the government to make the proper supply of drinking water to its citizens while it is consumer's duty to cooperate with the distribution system and help make proper utilization.

Distribution system of drinking water

1. Source

2. Tank near the source

3. Water valve (key) controlling water

4. Reservoir for storing water for a long time consumption

5. Tap

6. Cement-plastered region

7. Branch pipelines to supply to other taps

8. Outlet to waste water

9. Pipe for disposal of excess water

Storage of our drinking water

Nepal is the second richest country in the world in water resources. There are more than 6000 rivers and rivulets. Many of these are snow-fed or perennial. There are quite many lakes in our country. In the Terai and Kathmandu valley, underground water can easily be supplied. There is also good monsoon rain at least in monsoon. Though rich in resources, we are thirsty. We have not been able to make proper use of these vast resources. The poor economic condition, difficult landscape, poor technology and insufficient planning are causing wastage of water. Hardly about 60% of the people in Nepal have access to good water. The scarcity is very acute in dense cities. Kathmandu has long been waiting for the completion of Melamchi project which has been prolonging. In addition, these sources of drinking water are getting polluted due to garbage, sewage, and improper use. people are also not very aware of the need for safe drinking water.

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