Study the Sources of Drinking Water Usage in A Village Tank Cascade System: A Case Study on Kappiriggama Village Tank Cascade System in Anuradhapura District

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.