4th International Conference on Rain Water Cistern Systems
Manila , Philipines - August, 1989

Section C: Socio-Economic And Political Concerns

Paper C.2

Water Supply And Water User Behaviour: The Use Of Cement Rainwater Jars In Northeastern Thailand

Nongluk Tunyavanich
Mahidol University, Thailand

Kevin Hewison
Thai-Australian Northeast Village Water Resource Project

Abstract

The supply of drinking water in the rural- areas of Northeastern Thailand has long been a problem. From the early 1980s the Thai government has attempted to ameliorate the problem through the promotion of 2,000 litre cement rainwater storage jars.

This paper, based an research conducted in two provinces of the Northeast, and over a four year period, examines a number of issues related to the government-sponsored jar programme, and villager acceptance of this new technology. These issues are; jar acquisition and ownership; construction quality; use of jar water; rainwater collection systems and access; water quality and cleanliness; taste preferences; increases in storage capacities; and current water shortage problems.

It is concluded that the government programme, while having its problems, has been largely successful, with the drinking water storage capacity of thousands of villages having been greatly improved. Villagers are now drinking relatively better quality water for longer periods during the year. Villager acceptance of these facilities has improved. The next step is to ensure that the full health potential of the jar programme is achieved. Recommendations about this and other issues are included.

PDF of full document available to members (23pp, 460kb)