Water is more than just a resource in Nepal—it is a lifeline interwoven with the fabric of the country’s daily existence, economic activities, and social well-being. Nepal’s unique geography, marked by mountainous terrains, steep valleys, and flat plains, shapes its water supply systems, making access to clean water a complex and challenging affair. Yet, amid the challenges, there are stories of progress and resilience that offer hope.
A Glimpse into Nepal’s Water Landscape
Nepal’s water supply systems are a patchwork of triumphs and ongoing struggles. The country is blessed with abundant water sources thanks to its river systems and glaciers, yet access to safe, clean drinking water remains elusive for many. While nearly 95% of households have access to improved water sources, only 17% of the population is connected to a safely managed water supply system. The quality of water is a particular concern, with many sources contaminated by bacteria such as E. coli, affecting over 70% of water sources in some regions.
For communities like Madarhawa in western Nepal, hand pumps were once the primary water source. However, these were often poorly maintained, leading to contamination and outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. With support from organizations like UNICEF, these communities are now being empowered to manage their water supplies more effectively through training and testing programs that have made their water safer to drink.
The Water Supply Challenge
The challenges of providing safe drinking water in Nepal are multifaceted. The country’s rugged terrain makes it difficult to establish centralized water systems, especially in rural areas where people rely on rivers, springs, and rainwater for their daily needs. Climate change exacerbates these issues, as erratic rainfall patterns and the risk of natural disasters, such as landslides, can disrupt water sources and the infrastructure that delivers water to households.
In urban areas, the situation is similarly complex. Cities like Kathmandu are rapidly expanding, putting a strain on aging water supply systems. Residents often rely on water trucks, private wells, or community taps that are shared by multiple households. Unfortunately, these sources are not always reliable, leading to frequent water shortages and forcing people to buy water at inflated prices.
One of the most pressing issues is the quality of water, as many of the country’s water sources are vulnerable to contamination. In rural areas, water from rivers and streams is often untreated, leading to the spread of diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. In urban areas, the problem is exacerbated by pollution from industrial waste and poor sanitation practices. According to UNICEF, over 3.5 million people in Nepal still do not have access to basic water services, and about 10.8 million people lack improved sanitation.
Community Solutions: Empowering Locals
Despite these challenges, there are numerous success stories where communities have taken charge of their own water supply, often with the support of non-governmental organizations and local governments. A notable example is the introduction of Water Safety Plans (WSPs) in areas like Shivaraj Municipality, where villagers were trained to test water quality, maintain handpumps, and chlorinate their water supplies. This initiative not only reduced waterborne diseases but also empowered the community to sustain and manage their water systems independently.
The introduction of Climate-Resilient Water Safety Plans (CR-WSPs) has been another critical development. These plans take into account the risks posed by climate change, such as floods and landslides, and ensure that water systems can withstand these hazards. CR-WSPs have been implemented in ten water supply projects across Nepal, benefiting nearly half a million people.
Innovations and Future Directions
The government of Nepal, in collaboration with international organizations like WHO and UNICEF, has been implementing strategies to improve water quality and resilience. These efforts include upgrading infrastructure, improving water testing and treatment methods, and enhancing the capacity of Water Users and Sanitation Committees (WUSCs), which are responsible for managing many of the country’s water supply systems.
Nepal’s water management future also lies in better integration of technology and local governance. Water systems must be climate-resilient, able to cope with increasing unpredictability in weather patterns. For instance, some communities have started using solar-powered pumps and gravity-fed water systems to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of water. These systems are often maintained by local water committees, who are trained in water quality testing and management.
A Vision for 2030
Nepal’s water supply challenges are deeply intertwined with broader development goals, such as poverty alleviation, public health, and education. The country’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6—ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030—requires addressing both access and quality issues.
To reach this goal, the government is focusing on improving water infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. There are also efforts to integrate disaster risk reduction into water management strategies, ensuring that communities can maintain access to safe water even in the face of natural disasters.
The road ahead is still long, but with concerted efforts from the government, NGOs, and local communities, Nepal is steadily making progress toward a future where clean, safe water is available to all its citizens.
Water supply in Nepal is not just a technical issue—it is a story of resilience, collaboration, and hope. From the villages that have transformed their water systems to the urban centers grappling with modernization, every effort counts. The strides made in improving water safety and management offer a glimpse into a future where every household, regardless of location, will have access to this essential resource.
