KATHMANDU, Dec 19: The existing water supply in the Kathmandu Valley is less than one-third of the demand. The Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) distributes around 130 million liters of water on a daily basis, despite the demand of around 430 million liters. 

The supply further goes down in March, April, and May as the distribution is around 110 million liters a day.  During rains, the distribution reaches up to 160 million liters. 

Shortage of drinking water has been a constant issue in the Kathmandu Valley for a long time. The Valley denizens are forced to seek alternative sources for water for daily needs as the supply from the KUKL is insufficient. Sometimes, the distribution remains halted for many days. 

According to KUKL, 237,000 taps have been fixed in the Valley. Sometimes water taps fixed illegally are found.    

Water from Sundarijal, Mahadevkhola, Nakkhu, Shesh Narayan, Hititole, Saatmul, Kuturi, Devaki, Basuki, Balkhu River, Muldole, Charghare, Bishnumati, Panchmane, Chhahare, and Alle are collected and distributed in the Kathmandu Valley.

In some areas, underground water is supplied as water collected from natural resources is insufficient. At present, underground water is pulled from around 80 locations for distribution. 

A study shows that the demand for water increases by some 10 percent each year in the Kathmandu Valley.  Growing population, a rise in the physical construction works, and drying natural water resources have posed challenges to water supply in the Valley. 

The Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board and the KUKL have a 30-year agreement beginning February 13, 2008, and as per the agreement, the KUKL is responsible for supplying water in the Valley.

 
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