Case Study: Utilization of Waste Water into Agriculture Irrigation In Context Of Nepal

1. Background
Wastewater coming from household is classified as black water and grey water. Black water derives from urine &
faeces while greywater derives from washing and bathing. According to KUKL (Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani
Limited) in Nepal’s urban area 93% waste water is domestic waste water while remaining7% is Industrial. From this
it is cleared that huge amount of water is released as waste. After treatment if we Use It in Irrigation Purpose It will
Increase Productivity of Plants.

In Nepal approximately 60% irrigable land is available among them only one third land has through Year Irrigation
facility. Changing Rainfall Patterns, Unpredictable Rainfall and Inadequate Irrigation Coverage Has Led to a threat
in the sufficient and timely availability of water for the agricultural sector. In 2011 the population census
conducted shows that population growth rate is 1.3%. As the population increases security of food is also
necessary but limited availability of water for agricultural purpose threats food security. Hence, by using principle
of waste water management can increase irrigation facility and efficiency.

2. Methodology
At first domestic wastewater coming from household are collected, conveyed and passed towards treatment plant.
After treatment effluent obtained is analyzed, mainly physio-chemical and microbial parameters. The parameters
are

 Ph
 Temperature
 Total Suspended Solid
 Dissolved Oxygen
 Biological oxygen demand (BOD)
 Chemical oxygen demand(COD)

These obtained data are compared with Nepal water quality standards and Food Agriculture Organization
standards. After compliance with standard data effluent is mixed with surface drain and released towards
agricultural land. For this special perforated drain pipe or open drain scheme is used. If we have to provide
irrigation scheme through underground perforated drain pipe will be suited while flooding type irrigation scheme
is to be provided in that case open drain will be suitable.

3. Structural component and stages to be followed

From every household grey and black water are collected and conveyed through drain pipe. These waste water
are passed towards treatment plant. The structural component of treatment plant is shown in block diagram.

Coarse Screen Anaerobic Sludge Constructed

Grit Chamber Effluent
Digester Wetland

Fig- Block diagram of treatment plant structure

At intake of treatment plant coarse screen provided which separates comparatively large waste which destructs
treatment plant. After then Grit chamber provided which separates fine particles grit from sludge, then anaerobic
digestion of sludge is done. These obtained sludge passed through wetland and effluent after treatment plant is
 Case Study: Utilization of Waste Water into Agriculture Irrigation In Context Of Nepal

conveyed through drain. Before passing through drain some samples are taken for examination of physio-chemical
and microbial parameter. After achieving compliance with standard condition, it is mixed with surface drain and
free to use as irrigation purpose. By using this concept we can properly manage domestic water into agricultural
irrigation.

4. Advantages of this method

 Proper health and sanitation system can be achieved
 Proper utilization of domestic waste water
 Irrigation demand during agricultural season can be balanced
 Increases crop yield and food security possible
 Public health issues related to waste water are minimized
 Helps to maintain well managed sewer line and drain pipe
 Actually it is one of the concept of integrated water management

By implementing concept of waste water utilization in agricultural irrigation, a number of goals of sustainable
development can be achieved are

 Urban ecosystem (line related with SDG 11): by utilizing this concept it helps to maintain good ecosystem
within country mostly water waste problem minimized and more plant and crop get proper irrigation
along with fertilizer.
 Urban wastewater as resource (line related with SDG 6): from this concept it clears that urban waste
water is main source for agricultural irrigation.
 Economic Activities and Development (line related with SDG 8): most people involved in agriculture earn
their money by selling their product. Availability of excess irrigation water, productivity of crops increases
and it helps to change people’s life standard.

5. Use of this concept

In Nepal, Harisiddhi treatment plant using this concept. This is located in Lalitpur district. Where for one treatment
plant 100 household wastewater is collected and after treatment effluent is used for irrigation purpose.

In Kathmandu valley many private institution and organizations are using this concept but effluent is not used in
agricultural irrigation due to lack of field.

Fig: Harisidhhi Treatment plant, Lalitpur, Nepal

 Case Study: Utilization of Waste Water into Agriculture Irrigation In Context Of Nepal

Conclusion and Recommendation: On increasing scarcity condition of water, this concept of waste water
utilization on irrigation land will be milestone for community and country. On the basis of economic, social and
environmental aspect this is most efficient technique of water resilient structure design which is also component
of sustainable development. This concept’s main aim is to provide hygienic life style of people, food security by
increasing productivity of crops and integrated water resource management.

To implement this Program main stakeholder are government, beneficiary group, private organization involved in
sustainable development program should play important role. Government should prepare policies and
implementation guideline of combined planning of sanitary system and irrigation system. It should help
organization working on sustainable development. Sharing of vision and goal between every stakeholder is
effective way of coordination of government Governmental body National planning commission should play
important role to achieve sustainable goal as stated by United Nations. Most of water structure should be
designed by considering and social, environmental and economic aspects. Private organization should help
government to implement this concept and should express their idea to government. Beneficiary group
involvement and supervision in every project Runned by government is their duty. Sipmply, combined activity of all
stakeholder it easier to gain sustainble development witihin the country.

Case Study Team:

Robert Dangol (Researcher potential of waste water use in irrigated agriculture in harisiddhi treatmentplant)

Bharat Upadhyay( Case Study Report presenter)

Email:upadhyayengineer5@gmail.com

References:
Potential of wastewater use in irrigated agriculture:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317425599_Potential_of_wastewate_use_in_irrigated_agriculture_cas
e_of_Harisiddhi_wastewater_treatment_plant_Nepal

Related data from Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) written magazine.