Impact of water dispenser establishment on drinking water availability and health status of peri-urban community

Declining water level, owing to indiscriminate exploitation of ground water, most of the areas of Patna, Biharis facing water crisis during summer season. In this line, several initiatives have been undertaken by different Govt. organizations, companies, NGOs and other foundations. This study is focussed on assessing the impact of water dispenser on availability and accessibility of fresh drinking water, health-related aspects and sustainability. The survey was conducted in Suitha village located in sub-district Phulwarisharif of Patna district in Bihar. A total 80 households, selected through random sampling were interviewed by using a semi-structured interview schedule. Results showed that after establishment of the water dispenser, majority (62.5%) of the respondents use this facility and the dependency on public tap reduced considerably. Moreover, purchasing of water from market was completed ended after the intervention. Earlier, water was used in housework, drinking, bathing and others work but after the intervention, it is only being used for drinking and household purpose. It was found that gender is an important variable in use of water from the water discharge unit. Overall reduction of 6.11 per cent on medical expenses was observed and no patients were affected from water borne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea since the intervention. Most of the respondents(40%) were highly satisfied with the water dispenser installation.