A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the Lequirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand .

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1971

The cost of providing water in Thai rural communities was studied for three types of water treatment plants; namely, conventional rapid-sand filtration; aeration, sedimentation, slow sand filtration; and chlorination of deep well water only. Actual operation and construction costs obtained from 88 plants were analyzed to estimate production costs for plant sizes of 10 to SO m3 per hour. An analysis of benefits was begun by setting a metrology for benefit measurement in villages receiving a potable water system. By introduction of potable water projects in Thai villages, preliminary conclusions indicate that some benefits result from improvement in general sanitation and in associated public facilities. I Apparently due to "time savings" afforded by the piped distribution system, more children are permitted to attend school for a longer period of time. Unfortunately due to operator inefficiency, inadequacy of water mains and general poverty of the villagers, about 50% of total 94 plants surveyed showed that less than 50% of the village population was using the supplied water for several cultural economic reasons. Villagers hesitated to drink the piped water, thus minimizing the benefits that might result from providing communities with a potable water supply.