KATHMANDU, July 27: Ten new water reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 74,500 cubic metres have been constructed across Kathmandu Valley, marking a major milestone in the first phase of the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement Project (KVWSIP).
Launched under Sub-Project 2 of the Melamchi Water Supply Project, the initiative was designed to address chronic water shortages in the Valley by modernising its decades-old, leak-prone water distribution system. For years, residents faced inconsistent and inadequate water supply due to outdated pipelines, limited storage capacity, and poor water quality.
Officials at the KVWSIP said the project has replaced aging infrastructure with a modern, pressurised network. In addition to the reservoirs, around 77 kilometres of bulk distribution pipelines and 1,010 kilometres of household-level distribution lines have been laid. These connect to the Sundarijal Water Treatment Plant, which now supplies treated water to the newly built reservoirs for onward distribution.
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A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA ) system has been installed to monitor and manage water quality and flow in real time, including tests for turbidity and chlorine content. New pipelines have shown minimal leakage, improving reliability and efficiency, KVWSIP said.
Furthermore, the government has constructed an additional 800 kilometres of pipelines in key urban areas using internal resources and sewer upgrades have been completed in the historic Patan Durbar Square area to address monsoon-related flooding.
As part of fire risk preparedness, 348 fire hydrants have been installed across the Valley. Officials said these systems have been tested and are in the process of being handed over to local municipalities. The Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVWSMB) is gradually taking ownership of the newly built infrastructure for long-term operation and maintenance.
