Water supply may be effected through two different delivery systems. In a piped system the water procured from a source is treated in a treatment plant to make the water potable, transmitted to the area of consumption, and finally distributed to the consumers. In the other system, the cunsumers are to go all the way to collect water from the location of the source itself, which is named as spot-source. No treatment in general is possible in the latter system. For obvious reasons, people long for the benefit of the piped system.
Piped system has got many advantages over the spot-sources. Treatment of water is possible even if the water-source is located at a long distance; the system has got a longer service-life; operation and maintenance is easier; and above all, the, service-standard (per capita supply per day) is reasonably high. But as all good things cost more, investment in piped water system is relatively high.
The operation and maintenance of water systems at different areas also require an regular cost involvement. Recently under JNNURM Schemes the ULBs have indicated the requirement of water charges in the memorandum of agreement for availing the JNNURM fund. It will give an indication of the magnitude of efforts for water supply sustainability.
