Scarcity of drinking water in Pottuvil water supply scheme, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Water is an essential resource with regards to livelihoods, health and a socio-economic development perspective since there are no substitutes for it. And increasing population, wasteful consumption, rapid climate change and unplanned socio-economic development have put great pressure on water resources. The anticipated climate and socio economic changes may further increase water stress. Due to this issue, many rural people in Pottuvil Water Supply Scheme, facing numerous problems to receive safe drinking water for their daily requirements. The study has been done in order to find out the nature of drinking water scarcity and causes contributing on it in the study community. This study used a mixed method of analysis with qualitative and quantitative data which have gathered from primary (Interview with key observation) and secondary (statistical record of National Water Supply and Drainage Board, government departments, previously conducted researches and electronic materials) sources. Finally, this study found that the water scarcity prevails at high level in the study area, and it has been studied that the implementation of HedaOya water supply project would be a permanent solutions for the existing water scarcity of this study community. And also, it is believed that this study on water scarcity will immensely be benefitted as a preliminary source for the researches, scholars, and policy makers who are looking for policy adaptation in order to diminish the water scarcity locally and globally.