Abstract:
Water is used for many proposes, such as domestic sector, agricultural sector and industrial
sector. Safe drinking water is the birthright of all humankind as much a birthright as clean
air. Most of the villagers in study area are suffering from drinking water scarcity.
Kappiriggama area consists of three Gramar Niladari Divisions namely Kapiriggama,
Peenagama and Konakumbukwewe in the Rambewa District Secretarial Division of
Anuradhapura District. This research is carried out to study the drinking water usage sources
in a village tank cascade system and to understanding the actual reasons; why people are
reluctant to the tank water to fulfil their drinking water purposes. This research mainly
depended on the primary data. 291 sample were randomly and systematically collected
representing the whole survey area by using questionnaire. In addition to that, the secondary
data were used. The collected data were analyzed by using qualitative and quantitative
methods. By analyzing, it can be identified people mostly use domestic well water for their
day to day activities specially in drinking water purposes. Rain water harvesting system also
was used for the drinking purposes. Tank water, tube well and other sources also were less
used to fulfil their drinking purposes. The majority of the Kappiriggama people, however,
does not have access to systematic drinking water sources. One result of un systematic
drinking water is paramount concern is that some of diseases in the area arise. Also
Knowledge about how to make safe water consumption is rare in most of this areas. On the
light of the results obtained through the study, it is recommended that: to improve the
technological advances for rain water harvesting tank system and to enhance the public
awareness and financial supports related to the systematic drinking water sources for the
research area.
