DESIGN OF A RURAL

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

LECTURER IN CHARGE: NAME: R. M. B. C. K. Rathnayake

Prof. Jagath Manathunge INDEX NO:170519N
MODULE: CE4052
DATE OF SUB:2022/02/06

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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 4
2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3. DETAILS OF THE COMMUNITY ...................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Geographical Data ............................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Population Characteristics ................................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Water Users: Domestic, Institutions, Industries, Commercial users, etc. ........................................... 9
4. DEMAND FORECASTING ............................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Current water consumption ............................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Future Demand (Design Period = 20 years) ...................................................................................... 10
5. TECHNICAL DETAILS OF PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY SCHEME ......................................... 11
5.1. Source, Locations, Yield, Source water quality ............................................................................... 11
5.1.1 Source and Location ................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.2. Yield ......................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.3 Source water quality ................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Alternative analysis and available technical options ......................................................................... 13
5.2.1 Dug Wells ............................................................................................................................. 13
5.2.2 Using water from Yayegedara village tank – Achiyagama Wewa ....................................... 13
5.2.3 Using water from the Reverse Osmosis Filters ..................................................................... 13
5.3 Proposed conceptual design of the water treatment unit processes................................................... 14
5.3.1 For domestic use of water ........................................................................................................... 14
5.3.2 Any additional treatment needed for non-domestic users .......................................................... 15
5.4 Other technical details such as specifications (lengths and diameters) of pipes for the transmission
main, capacities of pumps, volumes of storage tanks, location of storage tanks, etc. ............................ 15
5.4.1 Transmission Main ..................................................................................................................... 15
5.4.2 Storage Tank ............................................................................................................................... 16
5.4.3 Pumps ......................................................................................................................................... 16
5.4.4 Location of major components ................................................................................................... 17
6. CAPITAL, OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE COSTS ......................................................... 17
6.1 Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) .......................................................................................................... 17
6.2 Operational Expenditure (OPEX) ................................................................................................ 17
7. BENEFITS OF PROVIDING WATER SUPPLY .............................................................................. 18
7.1 Economic benefits ............................................................................................................................. 18
7.2 Social benefits ................................................................................................................................... 18
8. DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABILITY ASPECTS ........................................................................... 19

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9. Bibliography ........................................................................................................................................ 20

List of Figures
Figure 1 Geographical View of Yayegedara Area ........................................................................................ 6
Figure 2 Rainfall Variation in the area.......................................................................................................... 6
Figure 3 Temperature Variation in the area .................................................................................................. 7
Figure 4 Paddy fields in Yayagedara Village ............................................................................................... 9
Figure 5 Location of Bandarakoswatta Lake and Yayegedara temple ....................................................... 12
Figure 6 Water Treatment Unit Processes Recommended ......................................................................... 14
Figure 7 Proposed conceptual design of the water supply scheme ............................................................. 15
Figure 8 Marked Hazen- Williams nomograph .......................................................................................... 16
Figure 9 Locations of major components of proposed water supply scheme ............................................. 17

List of Tables

Table 1 Average Rainfall and Temperature Values in the area .................................................................... 7

Table 2 - Summary of rainfall and temperature data for the area ................................................................. 7
Table 3 Population Data of the Yayegedara Village..................................................................................... 8
Table 4 Population of Panduwasnuwara DS Division in 2001 and 2012 cencus ......................................... 8
Table 5 Different types of water users ........................................................................................................ 10

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1. INTRODUCTION

The largest source of safe drinking water in Sri Lanka is piped water systems, which accommodates
nearly 50% of the need. Out of this, nearly 40% is being provided by the National Water Supply and
Drainage Board (NWSDB). Protected wells account for over 36% and water supply schemes managed by
community-based organizations (CBOs) also have a significant contribution which have brought the total
safe water coverage to almost 90% as at June, 2018 (“National Water Supply and Drainage Board,” n.d.)

Although there are so many water supply systems in developed areas of the country, still the rural villages
of Sri Lanka are having problems to access safe drinking water. According to SDG target 6, which is
monitored by WHO and UNICEF it is necessary to ensure the access to safe drinking water. JMP (Joint
Monitoring Program) defines access to safe drinking water as follows; That the source is less than 1km
away from its place of use and that is possible to reliably obtain at least 20 litres per member of a
household per day. And the water quality should be with microbial, chemical, and physical characteristics
that meet WHO guidelines or national standards on drinking water quality. Therefore, it is necessary to
build more water supply systems in rural villages of Sri Lanka.

With the introduction of artificial herbicides, pesticides, etc. there has been an influx of chronic kidney
diseases in people especially in the North Central Province. It has been estimated that over the past 20
years, 23,000 people have died from and an estimated 69,000 have been affected by this (Ed Kashi,
2017). People in the Kurunegala district have been fortunate to not be affected by the CKDs as much as
their neighbours up north. However, the emerging threat has been identified in many villages. Deduru
Oya water supply project was started to address this. Under the first stage, water will be provided to
Maho, Nagollagama, Polpithigama and several other areas. The second stage will provide water to areas
such as Panduwasnuwara and Katupotha. Nevertheless, there are many other areas in the district not
covered by the Deduru Oya Project with people who are at risk of contracting CKDs. This report
addresses such a village which is situated in the Kurunegala district near to Panduwasnuwara called
“Yayegedara”.
Yayegedara is a small village which is owned to Panduwasnuwara Divisional Secretariat in
Kurunegala District. People of this area usually use dug wells and bottled drinking water for their
drinking water purposes. Because the groundwater of this area is contaminated by some non-organic
materials such as calcium carbonate which are accumulated to the groundwater from the soil. Specially,
hardness of the groundwater is high in this area. Therefore, the groundwater is not suitable for drinking.

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2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

2.1 Scope

This study is concerned with providing a conceptual design for a water supply project targeting the
‘Yayegedara’ village in the Kurunegala district which is suffering from unsafe and unimproved
sources of drinking water. In addition to the technical aspects, sustainability of the project will be
discussed.
2.2 Objectives

The main objectives of this study are to:

a) Investigate the characteristics. of the community, the issues in the region and possible to resources
to develop a plan for water supply.
b) Discuss an integrated approach to plan the most suitable water supply scheme.
c) Evaluate the spatial, economic and social consequences of the proposed plan.

3. DETAILS OF THE COMMUNITY

3.1 Geographical Data

“Yayegedara” village is under the administrative boundary of “Yayegedara” GN Division (See annex 1).
It is situated in the Western part of the Kurunegala district at about 32.5km from the Kurunegala city
center and about 18km from the Wariyapola town. The area belongs to the dry zone and the mean
elevation is around 130 m above MSL (from Google Earth Pro). The terrain is mainly flat. There are two
tanks situated in the village and one river flowing through the village.

Figure 1 shows the Geographical view of Yayegedara area which is taken from Google Earth Pro
software and Google Maps.

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 Figure 1 Geographical View of Yayegedara Area

As mentioned above, the area belongs to the dry zone. Therefore, rainfall is mainly contributed by the
Northeast monsoon which occurs from December – February. The rainfall and temperature data are given
below. Note that due to the lack of available data, the values for Panaduwasnuwara area, which is
situated relatively close, are considered.

Figure 2 Rainfall Variation in the area

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 Figure 3 Temperature Variation in the area

The above data are summarized below,

Table 1 Average Rainfall and Temperature Values in the area

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average Rainfall (mm) 39 46 40 88 62 11 16 28 45 192 153 99

Average Temperature (oC) 24 25 27 28 29 29 28 28 28 27 26 25

Table 2 - Summary of rainfall and temperature data for the area

Average annual rainfall 819 mm/year

Rainfall pattern
Average daily rainfall 2 mm/day

Average Temperature 27 0C
Temperature
Maximum Temperature 36 0C

Ground surface level (From Google Earth Pro) Maximum height 152 m above MSL

Average height 130 m above MSL

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3.2 Population Characteristics

The population in the village as of 2021 was 837. (Grama Niladhari, Yayegedara GS Division) The main
occupation of the villagers is paddy cultivation. Much of the population do not have an educational
qualification beyond O/Ls. Most of the children go to nearby schools, in the neighbouring areas such as
Bandarakoswaththa, Kadawalagedara, Panduwasnuwara. Very few have even gone to schools in the
Kurunegala city.

With the development of roads and access to information in the recent past, changes of the livelihood and
level of education can be seen. As can be seen in most of the other villages, a significant portion of the
young generation is migrating into more urban areas.
Table 3 Population Data of the Yayegedara Village

Number of families 214 families

Population 837 people
Schools 1 primary school with 80 students
Religious places 1 Temple
Average growth rate 1.1 % (Assumed considering rural population
growth)

The population growth rate was approximated by considering the census data for Polpithigama area as
follows,
Table 4 Population of Panduwasnuwara DS Division in 2001 and 2012 cencus

Name Population Census on 17.07.2001 Population Census on 20.03.2012

Panduwasnuwara 67,263 76,139
(“Department of Census and Statistics-Sri Lanka,” n.d.)

𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 2012 = 𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 2001 × (1 + 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒)𝑁𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠

76139 = 67263 × (1 + 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒)11

𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑡ℎ 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 0.011332 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟏%

The types of livelihoods in the community were obtained by talking to a few villagers. The variation can
be given as follows,
• Farmers (mainly paddy, but other types are also present) - 85%
• Government of private sector jobs -12%
• Businessmen (shop owners and owners of businesses in the nearby towns) - 2%
• Others - 1%

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 Types of livelihoods of the Yayegedara village

Farmers
39%
Governement and Pvt Jobs
55% Businessman
Other

1%5%

3.3 Water Users: Domestic, Institutions, Industries, Commercial users, etc.

As mentioned above, the main type of livelihood of the people in the area is paddy cultivation. Therefore,
it accounts for a high proportion of water demand. However, that demand is already being satisfied by the
small tank situated in the area like “Thuttiri wewa” , “Loluwa wewa” and ‘Hipanpola Wewa”or directly
by the stream “Kolamunu Oya”

There are small scale brick industry and coconut husk industry in the area and as for the commercial
activities, 3 or 4 shops which are based on houses are present. As mentioned above, there is one temple
which is known as “Yayegerada Siri Sumanagalaramaya”.

Figure 4 Paddy fields in Yayagedara Village

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The water consumption of each of this type of users have been assumed as follows,

Table 5 Different types of water users

Water
Type of
Assumption / Reference Consumption
users
(lpcpd)
Domestic Although well water will be used for bathing and washing clothes at the start, 180
it is expected that with the development of the area these needs will be
satisfied from the piped water supply. Hence a conservative value is used.
Temple Average number of visitors per day = 25. They use 10% of the water used by a 18
permanent resident
Permanent residents = 3 (Will be considered under domestic users) 180
(Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), 1993)

4. DEMAND FORECASTING

4.1 Current water consumption

𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 837

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 (2022) = 25

𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 837 × 180 = 1050660 𝑙/𝑑 = 106 𝑚3 /𝑑

𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 25 × 18 = 450 𝑙/𝑑 = 0.5 𝑚3 /𝑑
𝑚3
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 106 + 0.5 = 107 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑠 110𝑚3
𝑑

4.2 Future Demand (Design Period = 20 years)

𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑 𝑜𝑓 20 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 = 837 × (1 + 0.011)22

= 1042 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑠 1050

Assume domestic water consumption per capita will not be changed. Also, the temple can anyway handle
a larger crowd. Therefore, it is assumed that the water consumption in the temple will increase
proportional to the increase in population.
Assumptions
• Design Period – 20 years
• Water consumption for per capita per day has not been changed during the design period
• Peak factor for daily demand - 1.5

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 • Peak factor for hourly demand - 2.0
• Total unaccounted for water = 25% (i.e., For losses etc.)

𝑚3
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 110 × (1 + 0.011)22 = 136.9 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑠 140
𝑑

Assume Unaccounted for Water = 25%

Therefore,
25
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 140 × (1 + ) = 175 𝑚3 /𝑑
100

Assume daily peak factor = 1.5

Therefore,

𝑴𝒂𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎 𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 (𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘) = 𝟏𝟕𝟓 𝒙 𝟏. 𝟓 = 𝟐𝟔𝟐. 𝟓 ≈ 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝟑 /𝒅

5. TECHNICAL DETAILS OF PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY SCHEME

5.1. Source, Locations, Yield, Source water quality

5.1.1 Source and Location

Bandarakoswatta Lake which is also known as Bandarakoswatta Wewa is considerably large reservoir
located near to the small town Bandarakoswatta, which is nearly 4km away from Yayegedara village.
Current water quality in the reservoir is not suitable for domestic purposes due to the availability of
colloidal solids, algae and microorganisms in the water.
The tank has a 10% of dead storage of its full capacity. The tank is usually filled with some considerable
amount of water even during the dry season due to its location. Released water from the reservoir is
currently used for the sake of agricultural purposes of the other areas around. The tank has never been in a
disastrous circumstance in the recent past. Regardless of the agricultural water demand of the surrounding
paddy fields there is still enough water in the reservoir to serve as the treatment plant's demand.
• Colloidal solid content is low
• Microorganism content is moderately high
• Dissolved oxygen amount is moderately low since there is less turbulence in water
• Suspended solid content is very low
• Very closed to the considering area
• Coordinates: 7.60737, 80.17775

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 Figure 5 Location of Bandarakoswatta Lake and Yayegedara temple

5.1.2. Yield

o Capacity : 143,844.17 m3
o High Flood Level : 2.605 m MSL
o Full Supply Level : 2.305 m MSL
o Sluice Sill Level : 1.405 m MSL

5.1.3 Source water quality

The following assumptions are made as data are not available.
• Content of Fluorides and other ions below the limits specified under ambient water standards
– Therefore, a separate treatment such as an Electrocoagulation system not necessary
• Water source not polluted by insecticides, pesticides, etc.
• Relatively low turbidity – Therefore, a Slow Sand filter can be used
• Microorganism content is moderate

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5.2 Alternative analysis and available technical options

There are 3 alternatives that can be implemented in place of this project. They are described below,

5.2.1 Dug Wells

A Dug Well can be used as the raw water source. And can implement the water supply system using the
water from the dug well. Therefore, a well that can be used to fulfill the water requirement of the village
should be constructed in the village.
• Due to this lack of protectiveness of dug wells, quality of water won’t be meet water
quality levels for human consumption
• Also, quality of the water is not checked regularly

5.2.2 Using water from Yayegedara village tank – Achiyagama Wewa

Achiyagama tank is a relatively small one managed by the department of Agrarian Services. This type of
tanks is usually only used for agricultural purposes and not for drinking and other purposes due to the
lack of capacity. In fact, the department usually does not allow such uses. However, even if the regulatory
barrier is overcome and the capacity is sufficient, it is expected that the treatment processes required will
be relatively expensive due to the high concentrations of Fluoride and high quantities of algae present.
These have to be weighed against the benefits obtained from having a small length of the distribution
network (Since obtaining water directly from the Bandarakoswatta Tank would add a pipe length of
nearly 4.0 km).

5.2.3 Using water from the Reverse Osmosis Filters

At present, an organization is obtaining water from several wells in the neighbouring Panduwasnuwara
area and using Reverse Osmosis filters to filter out water and sell. This can be expanded to Yayegedara
and Bandarakoswatta area. However, the water quality in the region has not degraded enough to justify
the use of RO filters. On the other hand, the cost per litre and the wastage of water will be relatively high.
Therefore, this option is also not very feasible.

By considering all the alternatives, it is apparent that the proposed project is the most feasible project out
of all the alternative concepts.

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5.3 Proposed conceptual design of the water treatment unit processes

The design is based on the assumptions made in section 5.1.4.

5.3.1 For domestic use of water

• A conventional treatment plant can be used based on the requirements

• Mechanical or other complex aerator systems are not recommended to save on the electricity cost.
Therefore, gravity aerators are recommended
• It is believed that a rectangular sedimentation tank would be sufficient
• A slow sand filter is used as the demand flow rate is relatively low and the maintenance is easier
than in a rapid sand filter which is beneficial for a rural project
• The recommended unit processes are given below,

Source (Bandarakoswatta Aeration (Gravity

Coarse & Fine Screens
Tank) Aerators)

Sedimentation
Coagulation & Filtration (Slow Sand
(Rectangular
Flocculation Filter)
sedimentation tank)

Chlorination

Figure 6 Water Treatment Unit Processes Recommended

• Figure 7 shows the proposed conceptual design of the water supply scheme.

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 Figure 7 Proposed conceptual design of the water supply scheme

5.3.2 Any additional treatment needed for non-domestic users

As mentioned above, no industries are present in the area. Assuming this won’t change during the design
period, means of additional treatment for non-domestic users is not provided (The two institutions present
do not require any additional levels of treatment).

5.4 Other technical details such as specifications (lengths and diameters) of pipes for the
transmission main, capacities of pumps, volumes of storage tanks, location of storage tanks,
etc.

5.4.1 Transmission Main

𝑄 = 𝐴𝑉
𝜋𝐷2
𝑄=( )×𝑉
4
From section 4.2, Q = 300 m3/d
Assume V = 1.5 m/s

Therefore,

4𝑄 4 × 300/(24 × 3600)
𝐷=√ =√ = 0.054 𝑚 = 54 𝑚𝑚
𝜋𝑉 𝜋 × 1.5

15
In order to expand in the future, select a 100 mm pipe for the transmission main.
Check for minimum velocity (for 100mm pipe),
300
24×3600
𝑉= 𝜋×0.152
4

V = 0.45 m/s (Hence OK ⸪ V > 0.3 m/s)

5.4.2 Storage Tank

• Can be placed at the highest location in the area, at 152 m above MSL
• Capacity = 300 m3
• Let height of the tank = 15 m (To create gravity flows with sufficient head in the distribution
network)

5.4.3 Pumps
Length of Transmission main = 750 m (Google Earth)
Height of storage tank = 15 m
Assume head loss due to fittings, ground slope, etc. is negligible

Therefore, Static head loss = 15 m

Hazen-Williams nomograph (assuming C = 100),
Q = 3.5 l/s, D = 100 mm
Slope of HGL = 0.0065m/m

𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 750 × 0.0065 = 4.875 𝑚

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠 = (𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝐿 + 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝐻𝐿)
= 4.875 + 15 = 19.875 𝑚 ≈ 20𝑚

Therefore, required pump capacity = 20 m

Pump pressure = 20 × 9.81 × 1000 = 196.2kPa
≈ 200 kPa

Figure 8 Marked Hazen- Williams 16

nomograph
5.4.4 Location of major components

Figure 9 Locations of major components of proposed water supply scheme

6. CAPITAL, OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE COSTS

6.1 Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)

o Water treatment plant = Rs 30 million

o Pump house = Rs. 0.5 million
o Storage tank = Rs. 10 million
o Transmission lines & Distribution lines = Rs. 40 million
o Total Capital Expenditure = Rs. 80.5 million

6.2 Operational Expenditure (OPEX)

o Cost for electricity = Rs. 20 000 / month

o Cost for chlorine = Rs. 1.0 / m3 (Chlorine content of treated water ≈ 1ppm)
o Maintenance cost = Rs. 40000 / month

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7. BENEFITS OF PROVIDING WATER SUPPLY

7.1 Economic benefits

• Most of the houses have wells, the water from which is used for drinking and cooking purposes at
present. Those without wells have had to spend a significant time each day to obtain water from
neighbors’ wells and other sources (In dry seasons when some wells become dry, even those with
wells have to spend time obtaining water from other places). However, with the drinking water being
supplied, the well water can be used for home agriculture, domestic industries or other economical
purposes which will improve the economy of the area. The time saving by the latter group can also
be utilized for productive work.
• A trend that can be seen in rural areas, especially in the areas with risk of CKDs is the selling of
water filtered through RO filters. Even though people may not have a good financial capacity, they
tend to buy this water over fear. As mentioned above, this type of a system is also prevalent in the
selected area. Introducing this system would save the public from this financial burden.
• Cost for domestic purification will be saved.
• The availability of safe drinking water will mean water will be available for sanitation and hygienic
purposes even in the dry season. Both these will improve the health of the community which will
have indirect economic benefits.
• The villagers can be employed during the construction and operation phases which will provide an
income to the area.

7.2 Social benefits

• The availability of safe drinking water, which also contributes to better sanitation and hygiene will
improve the health and lifespan of the community. This will also improve the quality of life.
• Easy accessibility to water, especially in the dry seasons will save time of especially women and girls
who have to bring water from far. This will help them spend more time on education and other
productive tasks. Also, the saved can be used to improve family time.
• Some of the conflicts among families, groups and communities occurring due to water issues can be
prevented.
• Few job opportunities will arise during the construction and operation phases of the project.
• Poor households (especially those run by women) will receive required water drinking and
sanitation.

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8. DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABILITY ASPECTS
A sustainable water system is one that provides an adequate water quantity and appropriate water quality
for a given need, without compromising the future ability to provide this capacity and quality. Its three
goals are economic feasibility, social responsibility and environmental integrity (“Sustainability in Water
Supply | IWA Publishing,” n.d.). Sustainable aspects of this water supply project can be discussed in
terms of the Sustainable Development Goals as follows,
• Zero hunger (SDG 2) – Although the project doesn’t supply water for major agricultural work, it
provides drinking water and water for cooking, which are essential components in alleviating
hunger. Also, the water sources currently used for drinking such as wells can be used for home
cultivations and thereby provide cost effective food.
• Good health and wellbeing (SDG 3) – The safe drinking water will have a significant long-term
impact on the health conditions of the community. Diseases such as CKDs can be prevented. Also,
with water available for drinking, people will have more water for sanitation and hygiene, which
will also lead to health benefits.
• Quality education (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5) – During the dry season, and in
houses with no wells, it is mostly the women and girls that have to spend time bringing water from
farther places. This will most certainly result in girls skipping school and women not having time
to work or spend time for themselves. The water supply scheme will help these two affected
communities.
• Climate Action (SDG 13) – A water supply scheme of this magnitude will save resources and
energy when compared to individual filtration systems such as RO systems (high wastage and
high energy use). Also, this will cut down the emissions caused by people transporting drinking
water (water bowsers at times of drought). The water supply scheme will also help reduce the
effects of climate change such as droughts by providing people with a stable supply of water.
• Life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15) – Extraction of excess water from Village
tank can affect the fish population in the tank. However, more water available for the village
would mean more water available for animals on land which is a positive aspect.
• Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) -There are some villages near to this village that
got water supply schemes already. That reason may make a tension in the neighboring villages
including Yayegedara Village. Although, the first step of the proposed project only caters to one
village, it is hoped to expand it to the rest of the villages in the area which will solve the water
issues. Also, conflicts in the village when sharing sources of water such as wells can be
minimized.
(“#Envision2030: 17 goals to transform the world for persons with disabilities | United Nations Enable,”
n.d.)

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9. Bibliography

• Lecture Note – Water Supply and Design of the Transmission System –

Prof. J.M.A.Manatunge
• Lecture Note – Water Treatment Principles – Prof. Buddhika Gunawardena

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). (1993). IS 1172: Code of Basic Requirements for Water
Supply, Drainage and Sanitation (Fourth Revision). Retrieved from
http://archive.org/details/gov.law.is.1172.1993
• Department of Census and Statistics-Sri Lanka. (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2019, from
http://www.statistics.gov.lk/
• #Envision2030: 17 goals to transform the world for persons with disabilities | United Nations
Enable. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2019, from
https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/envision2030.html
• Sustainability in Water Supply | IWA Publishing. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2019, from
https://www.iwapublishing.com/news/sustainability-water-supply
• Kurunegala GN & DS Division Boundaries VER 1.0 | Small Towns, Rural Water & Sanitation
Section. (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2019, from https://nwsdbrws.org/wp/?attachment_id=3226

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