Bridging local initiative and global goals: Role of water treatment plant for localizing sustainable development goal 6, target 6.1

Abstract Ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water universally is a principal target incorporated in Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This study investigates the role of the Dhulikhel Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) in Nepal in localizing SDG 6 at the municipal level. The study employed a mixed‐methods approach incorporating Key Informant Interviews (KII), Household Surveys, and Water Quality Tests to comprehensively assess DWTP's impact on the supply of safe and affordable drinking water. Water quality test results showed a pH of 8.02, 2 coliforms in 15 samples, no presence of Escherichia coli , 0.02 Mg/l ammonia, 0.75 NTU of turbidity, and 0.2 Mg/l Free Residual Chlorine (FRC). Overall, the parameters of treated samples, including electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, turbidity, calcium hardness, chloride, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, total coliform, and Escherichia. coli , showed significant differences against untreated samples at a 0.01 level of significance (i.e., p‐value < 0.01). The results underscore DWTP's effectiveness in reducing impurities, eliminating harmful pathogens like E. coli , and improving water clarity and purity. Compliance with prescribed World Health Organization (WHO) standards and National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) further validates the treated water's quality. However, the identification of total coliform in some treated samples highlights the need for enhanced microbial management and monitoring within the distribution and supply system. The study also discusses the complex dynamics of water tariffs and the upstream‐downstream conflicts. The study recommends granular local‐level measures to address potential contamination points in the distribution area and ensure equitable supply within the hill town of Dhulikhel.