What determines the success of rural water supply schemes? Insights from an assessment in Maharashtra

Abstract

The article discusses a statistical model to explain the varying performance of water supply schemes under different physical environments in the state of Maharashtra in India, characterized by high spatial and temporal variability in rainfall and climate, and heterogeneity in geological and geomorphological conditions. The factors that enhance the performance of the schemes are effective utilizable recharge rates, extent of surface irrigation, and aquifer storage space. The factors that adversely affect the performance are the extent of the population covered by groundwater-based schemes and irrigation water demand per unit area. Subsequently, the districts in Maharashtra where groundwater-based schemes are likely to succeed were identified. The article also explains the practical and policy relevance of the model results for rural water supply planning. HIGHLIGHTS Groundwater-based drinking water supply schemes in Maharashtra perform poorly in most districts.; The factors influencing the performance of drinking water supply schemes of the state were identified through statistical modelling like groundwater recharge, stress on aquifers, and aquifer behaviour.; Rainfall, infiltration characteristics of the surface formation, aquifer storage space, and extent of gravity irrigation increase the chances of success of rural drinking water sources.; High irrigation water demand and higher dependence on groundwater-based schemes increase the chances of failure of rural water supply schemes.; Groundwater-based schemes would succeed in districts that have good rainfall and favourable strata for infiltration of the water, good aquifer storage characteristics, large extent of surface irrigation, and relatively low irrigation water demand.;

Keywords

• environmental factors
• hard rock areas
• scheme sustainability
• socio-economic factors
• water supply planning