Safe drinking water - research

According to the Annual Drinking Water and Quality Surveillance Report 2020, more than 50% of Haa and Dagana district residents consumed unsafe drinking water during the dry season, raising concerns about the effectiveness of water treatment practices throughout the year.

To help address this issue, SNV and Upward Spiral conducted formative research during the months of October and November 2023 in the two districts, considering the different climate conditions in each area (Haa: cold region; Dagana: warm region). The research benefited from the input of CBM Australia on gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, as well as insights from UTS-ISF on climate resilience.

Research findings informed SNV’s development of an intervention for both districts, which was included as a session in the WSP (Water Safety Planning) workshop. The intervention has since been proposed and accepted for inclusion as a dedicated session in the country’s WSP facilitation guide.

SNV and Upward Spiral, Formative research report: Safe Drinking Water, Bhutan, Mumbai, Upward Spiral 2024.

This research study and the subsequent behavioural change campaigns and monitoring initiatives that follow represent SNV's ongoing commitment to scaling up safe and climate-resilient drinking water services for all. Methodologically, the study engages in a hub approach, working with others to accelerate the pace of change and facilitate cross-learning and exchange. Visit the SNV-Upward Spiral behaviour change hub approach to learn more.

For practitioners, consider diving into this study's set of research guides.

SNV, Upward Spiral, Water for Women, Australian Aid, CBM Australia, and the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS-ISF)