Household Water Consumption and Water Security in a Rural Village: A Case Study of Mawlyndep Village, Meghalaya, India

Abstract

Water is an important resource for life, livelihood, and development, especially in rural areas where access is often limited. This study examines household water consumption and water security in Mawlyndep village, Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, based on primary data from 79 households selected through random sampling. The results show that households use different water sources, with Public Health Engineering (PHE) as the main one, though its supply is only moderately reliable. Other sources like wells and tankers are more regular. The average water use is 70.23 litres per person per day, but many households still face shortages, along with some issues related to infrastructure and quality. The study further highlights that water is used not only for domestic purposes but also for livelihood activities such as agriculture and gardening, thereby increasing overall demand. Water consumption is strongly influenced by household size, with larger households requiring greater quantities of water. Although awareness regarding water conservation is relatively high among households, the actual adoption of water-saving practices remains limited, suggesting a gap between knowledge and behaviour. To manage irregular supply, households store water and use multiple sources. Overall, water conditions in the village depend on supply stability, infrastructure, and household needs. The study suggests improving supply systems, encouraging practical conservation, and strengthening community involvement.