Local recruitment: Team Leader cum Water Quality Expert (Nepal nationals)

Expertise: Water Quality, Hydrogeology, Water Supply
Expertise Group: Engineering

Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords:

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

Nepal has abundant renewable water resources. The annual rainfall varies from 500 mm/year in some
western areas to more than 4,000 mm/year on the southern slopes of the Himalayan range, with 70-80%
occurring in the summer monsoon and generating runoff to more than 6,000 watercourses. High rainfall
generally gives rise to abundant water supplies, at least seasonally, and surface water and groundwater
are important sources for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses. Groundwater is abundant in the
Terai and the Kathmandu Valley aquifers, while groundwater is more limited in populated hill regions. In
intra-mountain valleys such as Kathmandu, groundwater occurs in well-defined and sometimes isolated
basins. In contrast, groundwater in the Terai plains south of the Himalayan Mountain ranges forms a part
of the larger system operating in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Extensive groundwater development for irrigation in the Terai started in the 1960s, and today,
groundwater serves most of the area’s population for drinking and irrigation purposes. Groundwater
development was low-cost and initially did not lead to conflicts. Consequently, abstraction increased
without any specific plan or resource management, gradually leading to stress on the resource.
Today, almost half of Nepal’s population lives in the Terai and depends solely on groundwater for their
drinking needs. There are growing challenges facing groundwater security in the region, including issues
around year-round reliability, increasing instances of water insecurity, and growing concerns over its
quality. Data available on the quality of deep ground-waters in the Terai, show the presence of arsenic
as a major health contaminant apart from the prevalence of iron, manganese, and ammonium.
Given the strategic value of groundwater in the Terai and the significant risks associated with its
contamination and growing water stress, this study aims to support the Ministry of Water Supply, and
other relevant stakeholders in assessing groundwater potential, the risks due to contamination, and to
identify possible short- and medium-term solutions.

Objectives of the assignment

The specific objectives of the assignment are to:

1. Assess the current status of groundwater in the Terai region based on available data and field visit
   and observations, including population exposure due to drinking water contamination, identify data gaps
   and requirements, and suggest short-term mitigation measures.
2. Assess the quality and suitability of existing data sources for estimating groundwater contamination
   by arsenic in the Terai region.
3. Validate findings through sampling to identify hotspot districts/areas.
4. In priority areas, conduct a groundwater assessment and management plan based on groundwater uses and
   future requirements.
5. Identify capacity requirements for a national groundwater management program and establish investment
   recommendations.

Scope of Work

The scope of the work shall include but not limited to:
• Review existing reports and documents, including data on drinking water availability and contamination
(specifically on Arsenic concentrations) available with different agencies.
• Mapping of the spatial distribution of tube wells, tube well discharge, and water quality
characteristics, specifically emphasizing arsenic concentration and groundwater estimation.
• Draw up a sampling plan and field testing program for existing wells ensuring representativeness at
the ground level and validate the field test results. Review of existing arsenic removal practices.
• Ground water sampling and water quality tests in Government accredited Laboratories. Validation of
water quantity and quality status in priority areas / hot-spots, specifically for cluster of villages
and towns.
• Hydro-geological investigations and pump out tests in diverse geological settings and prepare sub-
surface lithology and water quality tests and monitoring of ground water.
• Development of a (pilot) simulated groundwater numerical flow and transport model, based on available
data.
• Development of ground water management plan (GWMP) for priority areas, emphasizing on water stress,
ground water availability and quality.
• Recommend mitigation measures for arsenic and other contaminants including a program of measures for
the utilization and protection of groundwater resources, with specific recommendations for managing
arsenic contamination (short, mid, and long-term).
• Prepare an investment plan for the medium to long run, including the sustainable development,
management, and restoration/protection of the water sources, based on the local authority’s plans, and
in line with the national sector development plans.
• Undertake capacity-building program, for Ground water resources development board (GWRDB), GoN and
Department of Water and Sewerage Management (DWSSM), GoN.

Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output

The consultant for this position will act as the Team Leader cum Water Quality Expert. The consultant
will carry out, but not limited to the following tasks:

1. Coordinate and collaborate with the International Water Quality Analyst and to collate all ground
   water quality data;
2. Supporting and complementing the activities of the International Water Quality Analyst to prepare a
   detailed report on ground water availability and water quality / contamination with specific emphasis on
   Arsenic concentrations, based on available data.
3. In consultation with International Water Quality Analyst, support the preparation of the water
   quality sampling plan and field testing program from existing wells and also new drilling wells to
   confirm and validate the water quality results.
4. Coordinate, monitor the ground water sampling plan and water quality tests undertaken in Government
   recognized and accredited Laboratories and review the results thereof.
5. Review all available data and mapping of data, information together with GIS expert to capture
   spatial distribution of tube-wells, tube-well lithology, water availability and water quality /
   contamination.
6. As a Team Leader, shall be lead overall co-ordination of all field visits by the team including
   liaison with the local Government Departments, Departmental officers and attend meetings as necessary.
7. In Co-ordination with other team member, ensure timely preparation and submission of output
   deliverables.
8. Support the team in conducting training sessions on ground water quality / contamination, associated
   risks to GWRDB, DWSSM, local authorities and other stake-holders.
9. Other relevant tasks requested by ADB.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Master’s degree in Water Supply, Civil or Environmental Engineering or related subject. Experience of
working in groundwater projects, groundwater studies or water supply projects where groundwater sources
are used.

Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 7 Years