• Bidyut Bikash Hazarika

This paper presents a study on the drinking water supply distribution system in Guwahati city, located in the Kamrup (M) district of Assam, India. The city's drinking water is primarily sourced from surface water, groundwater, and precipitation, with the river Brahmaputra and local groundwater aquifers being the main sources. The supply of drinking water is managed by three major authorities: Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), and Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board (UWSSB). The study provides an overview of the water availability status in the city and highlights the population growth in recent years. The study takes into account the population of Guwahati city, which is projected to reach 16.42 lakhs by the year 2031. Based on this population estimate, the water requirement for the year 2031 is calculated to be 2,216.7 lakh liters per day at a rate of 135 liters per capita per day (lpcd). The paper discusses the various departments and organizations involved in the drinking water supply system, including the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Public Health Engineering Department, Central Ground Water Board, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, Northeast Frontier Railway, and Guwahati Refinery. It provides insights into the roles and responsibilities of these entities in ensuring the provision of clean drinking water to the residents. Furthermore, the paper examines the present water supply position in the city, detailing the surface water and groundwater sources utilized by different water supply agencies. It emphasizes the disparities in water distribution, with some areas experiencing water stress and unequal access to piped water. The study also discusses the water availability from treatment plants operated by the GMC, PHED, UWSSB, and other organizations. It provides an overview of the surface source plants and deep tube well schemes, along with their capacities and distribution networks. Additionally, the paper highlights the availability of underground potable water through hand pumps and treatment plants operated by PHED and UWSSB. Based on the findings, the paper concludes that the city faces water stress due to the growing population and unequal distribution of water resources. It raises important questions about the incidence pattern of water stress, its causes, and its impact on vulnerable groups. The study suggests the need for improved water management and infrastructure to meet the increasing water demand and ensure equitable access to safe drinking water for all residents of Guwahati.

drinking water supply, Guwahati city, water availability, water stress, water distribution, surface water, groundwater, treatment plants, water management.

"A Study on Drinking Water Supply Distribution System of Guwahati City in Kamrup ( M ) District, Assam", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 5, page no.l331-l347, May-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2305B50.pdf

"A Study on Drinking Water Supply Distribution System of Guwahati City in Kamrup ( M ) District, Assam", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 5, page no. ppl331-l347, May-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2305B50.pdf