Research and Innovation

Research and Innovation Related

  • Community-based management model for revival of major natural springs of Nepal (measures such as recharge pits and check dams for restoration of drying springs/sources).

  • Long-term groundwater monitoring system (especially in municipalities of Terai and valley areas).

  • Status and impact analysis of arsenic contamination in Nepal"s water sources (sources, impacts, and mitigation measures of arsenic pollution in Terai regions).

  • Development and laboratory study of site-specific rainwater harvesting systems (designs based on local structures in hilly and mountain regions).

  • Study on Drinking Water Quality Surveillance System based on necessity (decentralized water testing units, chlorination, fluoride, E.coli, pH, etc. measurements).

  • Development of a Watershed Recharge Model for groundwater and spring recharge (testing technologies such as recharge trench, infiltration gallery, etc.).

  • Preparation of municipal water plans based on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) (basin-based planning at the municipal level).

  • Study on the implementation status of Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSP) in small and medium towns (implementation challenges and solutions).

  • Development and piloting of school/institution-based Rainwater Harvesting Models (for drinking, sanitation, and kitchen use).

  • Drinking Water Contaminants Mapping of Nepal"s various physiographic regions (GIS-based geospatial analysis of E.coli, Iron, Arsenic, Nitrate, etc.).

  • Study on seasonal water quality variation and its effect on the supply system (differences during monsoon and dry seasons).

  • Impact evaluation of household-level arsenic removal technologies in arsenic-affected areas (testing of Kanchan Filter, Activated Alumina, etc.).

  • Ensuring long-term water source security through hydrogeological surveys (water security mapping, recharge area, aquifer depth, flow rate measurement, etc.).

  • Development of mobile apps/digital tools for drinking water testing and training programs (for use by local government staff, health institutions, and communities).

  • Study on suitable pipe types and physical structures for gravity-based small drinking water systems in mountain regions.

  • Assessment of solar-powered water pumping technologies suitable for hilly areas.

  • Comparative study of pumps and motor technologies suitable for groundwater in Terai regions.

  • Quality assessment of roofing, gutter, and tank materials used in rainwater harvesting structures.

  • Design improvement of bio-sand filters used in small villages and settlements.

  • Cost-quality analysis of RCC, fiber, and plastic tanks for septic tank construction.

  • Development of Faecal Sludge Treatment Unit (FSTU) design suitable for Terai region.

  • Comparative analysis of Ferrocement and RCC tanks for safe drinking water storage in hilly areas.

  • Study on technologies to prevent pipe freezing in high mountain regions (insulated pipes, depth design, etc.).

  • Design study of site-appropriate household compost bins for waste management at the source.

  • Comparison of technologies used in community-level water treatment units (chlorination, UV, filtration).

  • Study of construction materials for sanitation units suitable for mountain regions.

  • Design of affordable and durable sanitation structures using locally available materials (stone, soil, wood, etc.).

  • Structural design and cost analysis of elevated toilets and water structures in flood-prone areas.

  • Study on materials and design guidelines for child- and gender-friendly toilets in rural schools.

  • Suitability testing of portable toilets and water treatment kits for use in extremely remote areas.

  • Performance evaluation of materials used in Smart Water Supply Systems (SCADA, Smart Meters, and Data Loggers).

  • Study on design, construction cost, and technology adoption feasibility of Water ATMs or digital distribution systems.

  • Analysis of construction materials and efficiency of household arsenic filters used in arsenic-affected Terai areas.

  • Study on water tariff determination and structural reform based on service level (volumetric tariff, flat rate, lifeline tariff, etc.).

  • Comparative impact analysis of community-managed and commercial service models (sustainability, service quality, financial viability).

  • Study on relation between non-revenue water reduction and revenue growth (based on smart metering and leakage control).

  • Study on service operation practices through federal, provincial, and local government coordination (inter-governmental collaboration and resource mobilization).

  • Study on the feasibility of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in water supply and sewerage management (in what conditions PPP becomes successful).

  • Study on use of digital technology in revenue collection systems and its effectiveness (mobile payment, online billing, MIS).

  • Study on customer satisfaction and service quality in water supply and sanitation management (customer feedback-based performance monitoring).

  • Study on cross-subsidy tariff models for improving access of vulnerable groups (Dalits, poor, single women) (inclusion in WASH finance).

  • Practice of developing business plans based on financial self-sufficiency for operating water supply and sanitation services (operational cost recovery model).

  • Service improvement strategies based on institutional capacity enhancement and staff competency evaluation (training, HR policy, institutional framework).

  • Development of decentralized wastewater management models in hilly and mountain villages lacking drainage systems (e.g., soak pits, small-scale constructed wetlands, dry sanitation).

  • Design and performance evaluation of elevated toilets and flood-resistant sewerage systems in flood-affected Terai settlements (elevated latrine slabs, flood-resistant septic systems).

  • Study on location and design improvement of child- and gender-friendly school toilets (including MHM space, ramp access, and handwashing station).

  • Design of public toilets and drainage structures suitable for high-traffic areas such as markets and fairs (modular toilet units with FSTU connection).

  • Promotion and long-term impact assessment of low-cost, easily maintainable Twin Pit toilets in rural settlements (safe desludging-friendly system).

  • Design and implementation strategy of community-based decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) in medium and large cities (constructed wetlands, anaerobic baffled reactors, polishing ponds).

  • Study on suitability of composting toilets or eco-san systems for seasonal residential facilities such as schools and monasteries in high mountain areas (low-water/zero-water systems).

  • Feasibility study of decentralized wastewater treatment models in small market centers lacking public sewer connections (greywater reuse, small-scale STP).

  • Design and social acceptability study of source-separated greywater and blackwater management systems in urban settlements (dual plumbing, household-level treatment).

  • Study on design and business models of community-based fecal sludge management (FSM) and collection-transport systems in rural areas (FSM entrepreneurs, sludge cart model).

  • Other research, studies, and innovation-related activities related to water supply and sanitation.