Abstract
This study examines the urgent problem of water hardness in the context of Nepal's "1st Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Lamki, Kailali," a project that is having operational difficulties because of ineffective hardness removal technology and related expenses. This study attempts to determine the most appropriate and economically viable solution for the project by conducting a detailed comparative analysis of several hardness removal procedures, including Lime-Soda Ash Treatment and Sodium Zeolite Treatment. An effective water supply system's design, which includes decisions on pipeline sizing and pump capacity, is guided by population projections and water demand calculations. Sensitivity analyses are carried out to evaluate the financial effects of various treatment strategies, accounting for changes in power costs as well as withdrawal rates from a different source, the Karnali River. The results highlight the financial benefits of direct withdrawal from the alternative source, particularly in light of fluctuating electrical rates, and also highlight the need for additional research, including laboratory tests, transmission line surveys, and social assessments, to ensure the project's success. In order to fulfill the increasing water demand sustainably, this study offers useful insights into addressing water hardness concerns in the project region, taking into account both economic and operational factors.