active· WASH

Towards sustainable groundwater management and improved water supply services in Nepal - NeAs+

The aim of the NEAS project (2026-2029, phase 2) is to enhance the sustainable management of groundwater and improve water supply services in Nepal through comprehensive hydrogeological studies, effective monitoring systems and initiatives drawing on the results of the previous NEAS project. As a result of the project, the systematic knowledge-based approach and effectiveness of the Department of water supply and sewerage management (DWSSM) operating under the Ministry of water supply and sewerage will be strengthened in the steering of the water supply sector. The project will develop and implement national guidelines that will lead to more consistent and uniform practices at the national and local levels. This project is based on the NEAS project (2020-2024, phase 1), in which THE water supply and sewerage Department DWSSM, Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) worked together to reduce the use of groundwater arsenic in Nepal. The NEAS project improved information management and field practices, strengthened laboratory capacity and improved understanding of arsenic. One of the key findings of the project was the need for a more comprehensive research project to find optimal wells. The project also identified the need for national guidelines on well installation and proposed piloting in future DWSSM projects to support their development. The project also underlined the importance of setting up specific observation wells and strengthening groundwater monitoring practices to support evidence-based planning and sustainable management of water resources. This approach has supported the implementation of clean drinking water by ensuring that service development is based on sound scientific evidence and long-term sustainability. This is a mandate for two government agencies/institutions in the form of an ICI project. A memorandum of understanding is written between the agencies and the ICI manual is applied. Funding for 2025-28 is EUR 1,499,997.