Attached
Social and institutional aspects of water utilization
in Dry Zone tank villages with regard to irrigation and
water management have been st.udied by many researchers.
But the physical aspecUand domestic water utilization
have not received adequate attention. Tank villages
which are located in river valleys relate to the Dry
Zone hydrology. Thus, water utilization problems are a
result of the interplay of hydrological and social factors. Hence, it is appropriate to utilize an integrated
approach concerning both hydrological and social
aspects to view the real dimension of problems of water
utilization. The main objective of this study is to
identify hydrological characteristics of the utiliza-
.
tion of water in Dry Zone village environments. The
first chapter outlines,the above mentioned objective
dealing with the theoretical basis of the relationship
between water and the human environment.
The second chapter presents the research methodology
utilized in achieving the research objective. A
catchment approach is utilized concerning both physical
and social factors to view the problems in a broad
perspective. A sample comprising 11 tank villages from
two cascades in the Hi Oya catchment was selected for
field research. Hydrological data such as tani water,
ground water, soil moisture and surface water movements
were collected through field surveys, observation, and
sample analysis. Social data pertaining to water
utilization were collected with the help of questionnaires and discussions and interviews held with the
villagers included in the sample. Both types of data
are analysed utilizing statistical methods. The third chapter outlines the physical background of
the study area and deals with geology, soil, climate,
hydrology and vegetation which relate to water
availability in the area.
Based on the analysis or physical and social data,
the fourth chapter discusses the particular hydrological conditions pertaining to paddy fields which is
determined by soil and topographical factors. Paddy
yield variations are used to view the spatial variation of the effect of hydrological characteristics on
water utilization.
The fifth chapter deals with the distribution of
soil moisture and ground water conditions in the highland areas of tank villages. The distribution and
yield of coconut cultivation are used as indicators of
soil moisture and ground water conditions.
The sixth chapter illustrates the effect of tank and
ground water on domestic water utilization with
reference to bathing, drinking cooking and washing. The
effect of the fluctuations of tank water levels on the
above mentioned activities are examined. Impact of tank
water on ground water levels and quality is also considered. Water utilization implications of economic
activities such as brick production and cadjan weaving
are discussed.
Chapter seven views the effect of social factors on
the resolution of conflicts arising from water utilization. In this context, habits and practices pertaining
to water utilization, relationship between family and
land ownership, and par~icular adaptations to water
scarcity are considered.
Based on the findings of the study, chapter eight
presents the following conclusions:
Paddy field-hydrology more than water management affect the problems of water utilization in paddy tracts.
Problems of water scarcity are most evident in lower
parts of the yaya. Such problems also vary according to
location of the paddy tract in the upper or the lower
part of the cascade.
Distribution of high soil moisture and ground water
levels in the highland areas of villages which is indicated by coconut cultivation helps to identify areas
with a potential for highland cultivation.
The rapid decline of tank and ground water levels
determines the pattern and practices of water utilization in tank villages in the dry season.
In areas which are free from salinity such as
areas below the tank bund there is a greater possibility to extract good quality water for drinking
purpose. ~
As water availability in tanks is determined according to different utilizations, the peoples' per-
\/ ception to water scarcity differs from village to village even within the same cascade.
Water I related economic activities such as brick
production and cadjan weaving have become additional
income sources but such enterprises are affected by
seasonal fluctuations of tank water levels.
Many problems relating to water utilization are
either neutralized or minimized by social factors,but
there are also water related conflicts which cannot
be so resolved.
The concluding chapter finally provides guidelines
for policy with regard to the development of water
resource utilization in tank villages and other irrigation settlements of Dry Zone Sri Lanka.
