India on Track to Achieve Universal Clean Water Access: Breakthrough Study Reveals Cost-Effective Solution

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A groundbreaking study by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute has identified a simple and affordable way to ensure access to clean drinking water for all Indians. The research, conducted in Odisha, found that localized water treatment and doorstep delivery can be a game-changer in achieving near-universal adoption of clean drinking water. According to the study, over 2 billion people worldwide lack reliable sources of safe drinking water, with rural households in low-and middle-income countries often relying on contaminated ground- and surface-water sources. However, the researchers discovered that households were willing to pay a premium for clean water, with up to 90% of households opting for home-delivered water at discounted prices. The study, which covered 60,000 households in 120 villages, tested three different contracts to determine how much people valued clean water. The results showed that households were willing to pay more than previously thought, and that the approach was economically sustainable. The researchers also found that home-delivered water provided measurable health benefits, particularly in areas where waterborne diseases remain a significant threat. While chlorine tablets have been used to treat water at home, the study found that home-delivered water may provide even greater benefits overall. The researchers suggest that government subsidies or vouchers could make clean water more affordable for households, and that small rural companies may be able to provide this service at discounted prices. The study's findings have significant implications for India's efforts to achieve universal access to clean drinking water. With the right incentives, simple water treatment and delivery could become a key tool in providing clean water to all Indians, regardless of their income or location.