Report: Piped water system at Dai Thang

Design and construction of a water system with a water storage tank with a capacity of 35 m3, pump installation, water treatment, 20,769 m of water transmission and distribution pipelines, electrical and control systems.

The Dai Thang population obtains drinking and washing water from drilled and dug wells. Water from the wells has high sediment levels. Some high income households are able to purchase bottled drinking water at a cost of 20,000 VND (about $US1.10) for 20 litres. However, poorer residents are limited to using polluted well water for their daily activities. About 60% of households have sanitary latrines (septic and semi-septic systems).
There is a critical need for access to clean water for the residents in this area because water related health issues are common in the area.

It is anticipated that at least 600 HHs, ie 1,840 people (21.7% of the total commune population), will choose to be connected to the piped water system.
The beneficiaries have agreed to participate in the project and contribute as much as possible to the construction of the system, as a minimum they will provide the free labour required for digging and backfilling the pipeline trenches. They will also pay the full upfront cost of their house connections. The number of households willing to connect to the system will be determined before the start of the project to ensure sufficient numbers of customers for long-term sustainability. The beneficiaries will pay monthly consumption–based water tariffs to cover operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and potential expansion costs.

- Assessment of the needs of local residents for safe water and improved sanitation and hygiene in the project area.
- Assessment of the willingness and ability of beneficiaries to pay for both initial investment costs for house connections and monthly consumption-based water tariffs; and, contribution of labor to the construction for digging and backfilling pipeline trenches.
- Identification of the highest capacity, best quality and most reliable supply of clean water in the area (water will be taken from the Thu Bon River).
- Water quality testing of the Thu Bon River and certification of the source as fit for drinking before commencement of design and construction.
- Holding consultation meetings with potential beneficiary groups and the local authorities in order to allow everyone to voice their concerns and opinions about the proposed project as well as to share local knowledge and experience about hygiene and clean water usage.
- The following standard activities will be carried out: design and construction of the water storage tank(s), river water intake, intake pipe, electrical and control systems, water treatment system (as determined by the water quality test results), and the water transmission and distribution systems (about 20,769 m). A water production meter will be installed on the outlet to the main distribution line to help monitor water production and downstream water losses.
- Technical and management skills training of Water Managers and the Project Management Board to make sure the proper system maintenance will be undertaken when the EMW involvement ceases.
- Carry out a hygiene and sanitation behavioral change program to maximize the community health benefits of the new water supply system. The EMW Hygiene and Sanitation Behavioral Change (HSBC) program will raise awareness, provide training and provide financial incentives to help families build latrines and carry out social marketing activities to encourage people to adopt more effective hygiene and sanitation behaviors. The HSBC program is currently being prepared.