What determines the success of rural water supply schemes? Insights from an assessment in Maharashtra

Abstract

The article discusses a statistical model to explain the varying performance of water supply schemes under different physical environments in the state of Maharashtra in India, characterized by high spatial and temporal variability in rainfall and climate, and heterogeneity in geological and geomorphological conditions. The factors that enhance the performance of the schemes are effective utilizable recharge rates, extent of surface irrigation, and aquifer storage space. The factors that adversely affect the performance are the extent of the population covered by groundwater-based schemes and irrigation water demand per unit area. Subsequently, the districts in Maharashtra where groundwater-based schemes are likely to succeed were identified. The article also explains the practical and policy relevance of the model results for rural water supply planning.