Access to improved water and its relationship with diarrhoea in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

In the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, access to sufficient water—regardless of source—significantly reduces the risk of diarrhoea compared to inadequate water consumption. A study analyzing data from 2,282 households found that those consuming less than the WHO-recommended 100 liters per capita daily faced up to a 2.92-fold higher risk of diarrhoea. Additionally, households relying on alternative water sources alongside improved water had an 1.81-fold increased likelihood of illness. These findings held true even after accounting for socioeconomic factors, water treatment practices, and sanitation facilities, suggesting that ensuring adequate water quantity is critical in preventing diarrhoea, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Shrestha, S., Aihara, Y., Yoden, K., Yamagata, Z., Nishida, K., & Kondo, N. (2013). Access to improved water and its relationship with diarrhoea in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 3(6), e002264. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002264