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 a
sustainable manner. This study was carried out based on Kannahipuram CBO managed RWS
schemein 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 projects and its sustainability in the Kannahipura scheme. This paper also
sets out to analyze the impacts of the participatory approach in the 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 a sustainable system at the village level. However, it was observed
that the quality of water is not in a drinkable condition for drinking purposes, 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
advanced treatment processes to provide safe drinking water at a drinkable level through CBO
operation and community participation successfully and effectively.
