267 पटक हेरिएको 
Sarlahi: In some villages of the Terai, many people still consider handpump water to be superior. They believe that handpump water is cold in summer and warm in winter, and thus, many are reluctant to drink water from piped systems. However, gradually, with increasing public awareness and improvements in water supply, people are beginning to get accustomed to piped water.
Phulkumari Devi from Pidari, Ward No. 9 of Haripur Municipality in Sarlahi, has been drinking water from the piped system for three years. She says, “It takes time to get used to it, but once I did, I no longer feel like drinking water from the handpump; I even dislike its taste.”
Previously relying on handpump water, Phulkumari Devi noticed a clear difference in taste between handpump and piped water. She explains, “Handpump water is bland and sometimes has an odor. Even when cooking, it affects the color of food and vegetables. But piped water looks clean, and drinking it quenches your thirst.”
Problems like stomach aches, skin irritation, and diarrhea in children have completely disappeared.
When the Haripur Water and Sanitation Management Board in Sarlahi began supplying piped water to every household, residents of Pidari and other wards (2, 8, and 9) gained access to safe drinking water. Asha Kumari Majhi from Pidari recalls, “Previously, fetching water from the handpump was exhausting, and the water wasn’t clean. Anything we cooked—dal, rice—turned dark.”
Health Improvements Through Safe Water
Residents of Pidari have experienced health improvements since switching to piped water. Issues like stomach aches, skin irritation, and diarrhea in children have been fully resolved. Locals also report that bathing with tap water has caused no skin problems and overall hygiene has improved.
“Earlier, we thought all water was the same. We didn’t know tap water could be this clean. Now we’ve realized that drinking water must be clean, which we are fortunate to have,” says local resident Sabita Kumari Devi.
“Food cooked with tap water looks more appealing the dal has a nice color, rice stays white, and the water itself tastes fresh, not bland,” Phulkumari Devi happily adds.
Communities that once preferred handpump water for its seasonal temperature differences are now understanding that piped water is safe. They realize, “Even if we have to pay a fee, this is essential for a healthy life.”
The Haripur Water and Sanitation Management Board currently provides regular safe drinking water to about 1,100 households. The board aims to supply piped water to all households in Haripur Municipality in the future. There are a total of 8,350 households in the municipality.
The Haripur Water and Sanitation Management Board was formed in 2079 BS (2022/23 AD) under the Alternative Management Model project, implemented in partnership with Oxfam Nepal and Bagmati Sewa Samaj.
The board has integrated the Pidari, Sano Jagatpur, and Indrapur Water and Sanitation Consumer Committees under a single management system to provide regular and safe drinking water throughout Haripur Municipality.
