Water Conservation in Nepal

Abstract

Since the last decade, Kathmandu has been immensely crowded by many populations migrating from different places. One of the significant issues in Kathmandu valley today is water management. Nepal is considered the second most prosperous country for water in the world. Despite this, 8.4% of the population of Nepal (2015) do not have access to safe drinking water. Nepal has a high annual rainfall of 1200 millimeters but still faces substantial challenges in ensuring water security. The primary purpose of the new design for the Sport and Recreation Centre project is to conserve the water by reuse, recycling, and systematic utilization of water to create a sustainable water-efficient building and site. The research literature indicates the feasible way to fulfil water needs is by using rainwater harvesting systems in the center. Nepal historically has had rajkulos, canals, human-made ponds and sunken water conduits which are among the oldest techniques of maintaining the water supply. In the Sport and Recreation Centre, historic design techniques have been combined with rain gardens, ponds for groundwater recharge, pervious pavements, and grate inlets to manage the stormwater on the site. Also, treating the greywater through the Reed Bed Treatment System can help and conserve water for the site and project. In the landscape design, specific native plants will be used that conserve water. The buildings will have low flush and composting toilets, sensor taps, rainwater collections, and use. Overall, with the conservation of water on the site and creating a water-saving building design, this can be one of the most effective ways to promote other public buildings to do the same. The people can have adequate residential drinking water. This can help to reduce the scarcity of water in society and teach us to use rainwater and greywater more efficiently in all future new projects.