Project Description

Traditional water sources (TWS) are natural springs or areas of shallow groundwater that were developed as sites for public water consumption several decades or hundred years ago. They usually serve as a drinking and domestic water collection facility for a cluster of households within a specific geographic area and socio-cultural setting.

They are important water supply systems throughout Nepal. In 2013 and then confirmed in 2022, over half of the 33 TWS assessed (57%) were the sole source of water for the nearby communities. A quarter of the sources were being used as alternative sources during frequent failure of a modern water supply system due to disruption to piping and pumping infrastructure. Through the follow-up assessment conducted in 2022, it was found that 46% of the sources are still in use seasonally or around the year.

To further understand the need to restore and preserve those traditional water supplies, over the last 10 years, ICEM conducted an assessment of their status and management.

The final results can be downloaded here.