An Evaluation of Water Quality and Accessibility in Nepal: A Study of Three Areas: Kaski, Terai, and Kathmandu

The purpose of this major research paper was to gain an understanding of the water crisis that exists in Nepal, specifically, how the quality of water and accessibility to natural water resources differs between three areas. The evaluated areas comprise Kaski, Terai, and Kathmandu. The creation of a water quality index and distance accumulation spatial analysis techniques, indicates that Kaski has the highest quality of water while placing second for accessibility. Terai ranks second for water quality, with the highest number of settlements with natural water accessibility. Kathmandu has the worst water quality and the least number of settlements in proximity to natural water resources. Since such a wide disparity exists, further research needs to be conducted to investigate possible correlations between the aforementioned variables and socioeconomic differences. In doing so, mitigative techniques can be devised to ensure that the Nepali population, regardless of class, have access to clean drinking water.