Water quality under 24x7 scheme is better: Study

A study by the Dharwad-based Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research (CMDR), University of California, Berkeley, and SDM College of Engineering and Technology in Dharwad has revealed that the quality of water supplied under the 24x7 scheme in select wards of Dharwad and Hubli is better than that supplied intermittently.

High levels of contamination were detected when water was supplied intermittently and when the tap was opened. Children under five years living in households with 24x7 water supply facility had a reduction in the prevalence of care giver-reported waterborne illness. A continuous supply of water led to a 7 per cent reduction in the prevalence of diarrhoea and 22 per cent reduction in the prevalence of blood or mucus in stool compared to intermittent supply. The findings of the study were discussed at the one-day workshop organised at SDM College of Engineering and Technology in Dharwad on Monday.

In the intermittent supply, households consumed less than the design standard of 135 litres per capita per day (LPCD). The study had focussed on the quality of water, health, household cost and time saving, water consumption, governance and sustenance. It has also come out with some of the key findings which could be incorporated during the implementation of the water scheme in the remaining wards.

The study has also revealed that there is a willingness to pay Rs 100 as water tariff and 13 per cent of the households in wards covered by 24x7 water supply scheme do not prefer 24x7, but prefer supply of water once in four days.

It has also stated that a majority of the consumers prefer 24x7 water supply, but are not convinced about the arrears, tariffs and private participation which suggests the need for ground work.