In the hills of Surkhet, Nepal, access to safe drinking water remains a daily challenge for many families. In the Gadi area of Birendranagar Municipality, Ward 14, women and children often walk more than an hour to collect water from open wells and small springs. These sources are frequently unsafe and put families at risk for illness.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have served in Nepal for decades, walking alongside communities facing poverty and limited access to basic needs. Rooted in Catholic tradition, the Sisters believe every person deserves dignity, health, and opportunity. Their commitment to clean water flows from a call to care for life, stand with those on the margins, and respond where need is greatest.

Imagine this muddy water source replaced with clean, safe drinking water delivered directly to homes in Gadi, Nepal. Thanks to donor support, a restored reservoir and pipeline will soon end long walks for unsafe water and bring reliable water to families across the community.

Several years ago, the community had a working drinking water system. Over time, a lack of maintenance caused the system to fail. The reservoir and parts of the transmission pipeline were damaged, leaving households without a reliable water supply. As a result, daily life in Gadi continues to be shaped by the burden of finding water.

Local leaders and community members repeatedly raised concerns about the situation. In response, engineers working with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth conducted a technical assessment of the old system. The findings were clear. With targeted repairs to the reservoir tank and sections of the pipeline, the system can be restored and made fully functional.

The Gadi Drinking Water Project was designed to do just that. Once completed, the project will provide safe and reliable drinking water to 400 households across seven communities. A repaired reservoir with a capacity of 90,000 liters and a five kilometer pipeline will reconnect families to a single, dependable water source.

Water within Reach

Thanks to strong donor support, funding for the project has been fully secured. Planning and coordination with local government and community partners are underway. While construction has not yet begun, the need remains urgent, and current photos from the area show conditions as they stand today.

When the system is restored, families will spend less time collecting water and face fewer waterborne illnesses. Children will have more time for school. Women will have more time for household, agricultural, and income-generating work. The project will support healthier families and stronger communities in Surkhet.

Updates and photos will continue to be shared as the project moves forward and work begins in 2026.