Abstract:
Rural Water Supply (RWS) system implemented and maintained by a Community Based Organization
(CBO) adopting a participatory approach which is considered a useful strategy to supply safe drinking
water to the people especially in rural segments of the country in sustainable manner. This study was
carried out based on Kannahipuram CBO managed RWS scheme in Alayadivembu Divisional
Secretariat Division (DSD). The study gathered primary data through field-based interviews with key
stakeholders in CBO managed water supply system and field observations. Also, it collected secondary
data from statistical reports from NWSDB, RWS and CBOs etc. The findings have been interpreted
mainly based on the descriptive qualitative method. This study examines the extent to which the
community participation influences community ownership of rural water project and its sustainability
in Kannahipura scheme. This paper also sets out to analyse the impacts of the participatory approach
in rural water supply system using qualitative and quantitative information that compiled project data
with field surveys. The study found that the participatory approach was effectively exercised in
Kannahipuram CBO managed water supply scheme to ensure sustainable system at village level.
However, it was observed that the quality of water is not in a drinkable condition for drinking purpose
and the water source has been contaminated particularly in the Shallow-well due to climate change,
increased demand and seasonal drought in the region. Hence, this study suggests improving the water
quality by using advance treatment process to provide safe drinking water in a drinkable level through
CBO operation and community participation successfully and effectively.
