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Home » Research and Studies
Research and Studies
NEWAH conducts subjective researches at regular intervals to identify areas requiring improvement and for enhancing service standards, and recommending on new, appropriate and alternative technologies and approaches. In the recent years various studies such as the Water Consumption Study, Sustainability of Hygiene Behaviour, Long Term Sustainability Study, Public Latrine studies, NEWAH Participatory Assessment II, Socio-Economic Impact of WHS projects, etc. have been carried out. These kinds of researches and studies have given basis for new learnings, improvements and providing better services and will be continued in the future.
Water Consumption Study
Abstract
In May 2003 NEWAH began a Water Consumption Study to find out the water consumption of rural communities using gravity flow water supply schemes. Two NEWAH gravity flow projects were selected for the study, Neupanigaun and Bhadaure in Dhading district, completed in 2000 and 2002 respectively. Fifty water meters were installed on the reservoir tanks and tap stands in these communities and community members took regular meter readings for a 12-month period.
The study found average daily per capita water consumption over a twelve-month period to be 47 and 61 litres in Neupanigaun and Bhadaure respectively. In 13 of the 36 tap stands monitored (40%) average per capita water consumption was found to be in the range of 40 to 59 lpcd. Analysis of the relationship between the average distance of user households from tap stands and the average per capita daily water consumption indicates a pattern where consumption is greater at tap stands where households are located near to the tap stand. A general trend of slightly declining consumption was noted throughout the year reaching a low in January/February before rising again towards the end of the year. This is likely related to less consumption for bathing and washing in the colder months. In Bhadaure water consumption at tap stands used by Brahmins averaged 94 lpcd compared to 43 lpcd at tap stands used by Dalits. This significant variation is likely because the Dalits in the community leave their homes early in the morning to smash gitis on the Kahtmandu-Pokhara highway and only return in the evening and therefore do not consume much water in the community. The number of livestock owned by Brahmins is also more than in other households and Brahmins consume a lot of water in their religious practices.
A crude analysis of the revenue generated through water tariffs and the funds required to operate and maintain the schemes indicates that the schemes are not financially sustainable and that water tariffs should be increased by between 70-180%.
Conclusion
The insights gained through the study have provided NEWAH with evidence of water consumption patterns which can be used in designing future projects taking into consideration the occupation and caste of the users and the location of the community (peri-urban or rural community, warm of cold location).
Based on the analysis of maintenance funds it is evident that current tariffs will not cover the full costs of O&M that will arise during the life of the project. This will lead to poor sustainability if major repairs are required in the future.
For further information on the report contact:
Mr. Santosh Basnet, Technical Development Manager, NEWAH HQ, email:santosh@newah.org.np
Report on the Nepal Country Findings of a Multi-Country Study on Sustaining Changes in Hygiene Behaviour
Integrating provision of drinking water with sanitation and hygiene promotion has become an accepted model of best practice in the sector. Nevertheless, sanitation and hygiene often receive less resources. To advocate for increased attention to hygiene promotion it is important to know whether communities continue to practice new behaviours after a project ends. This study, carried out in Nepal and five other countries, set about finding out whether this happens.
For further information on the report contact:
Ms. Laxmi Paudyal, Social Development Manager, NEWAH HQ, email: laxmipaudyal@newah.org.np
The study of Situation of Public Latrine in Kathmandu Metropolitan City undertook by NEWAH, Central Regional Office, Kathmandu on 2003. Public latrine is one of the major components of Environmental Sanitation. This report presents a clear synthesis of situation of public latrines of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and areas of improvement to maintain the quality of latrines. This study also gives the indication that there is marker for involvement of private sector and public latrine management can use as income generation.
Consultancy Services
NEWAH believes in sharing its technical expertise with other organisations. NEWAH staff is available as consultants to facilitate seminars and workshops on various technical matters. NEWAH has taken a lead on the provision of water quality testing services to various organisations as well as commercial enterprises.
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