Potential of Multiple Use Water System in addressing Water Scarcity in Annapurna Gaunpalika, Kaski District

Abstract:

Multiple use water system (MUWS) is considered to be a participatory, integrated and poverty-focused approach to water resource management that accommodates both domestic and productive water use in order to meet multiple livelihood potential. This study assessed the implications of MUWS in terms of water accessibility, availability and quality in Annapurna Gaunpalika of Kaski district. The analysis included selection of a random sample of participant households and data collection through key informant interviews and questionnaire survey in five MUWS and two drinking water schemes. The physico-chemical and microbial quality of 11 water samples, representing six natural water sources and five MUWS water supply tanks, were assessed for drinking and irrigation quality in pre-monsoon season (April, 2018) following standard procedure.

The results suggested that MUWS benefited rural livelihoods through improved water availability, equitable distribution, economic benefits from vegetable production, health benefits and women participation in income generation activities. Binary logistic regression model revealed four variables- gender, water collection time, education, and economic benefits- having positive influence on the adoption of MUWS. Most of the physico-chemical parameters were found to be within the National Drinking Water Quality Standards and WHO drinking water standards except turbidity and pH. In contrast, faecal contamination was found to be the key problem with drinking water in four sites however it was suitable for irrigation purpose without any hazard on soil.