A lot of people rely on groundwater in the Kathmandu Valley, which has been reeling under acute water scarcity, especially during the dry season. But experts have warned that groundwater in the valley has high concentration of ammonia, which may cause long-term health hazards. Ammonia in water means possible bacterial, sewage and animal waste pollution, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As more and more residents of the valley consume groundwater over the recent years, the government, in collaboration with Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), has launched a five-year survey to assess the status of groundwater contamination in the valley and to develop an action plan to ensure safe water supply. Researchers from Japan and Nepal have collaborated to carry out the survey for sustainable and safe development of water supply system in the valley. It is probably the first time that the government is carrying out a detailed scientific survey to find out the status of groundwater contamination. The Ministry of Urban Development, Institute of Engineering (IoE) of Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Board and a few other agencies are collaborating with Japan International Cooperation Agency under a joint coordinating committee to carry out the research. However, IoE is carrying out the research. The first Joint Coordinating Committee meeting was held on Sunday. The five-year survey mainly focuses on the study of microbiology contamination in groundwater and on ways to develop locally suitable compact water treatment systems for purifying the contaminated water and reduce public health risks, informed Bishnu Pandey, an expert associated with the study. “The installation of water treatment for removing microbiological contamination like ammonia is highly expensive and our government cannot afford it. So, the study aims to develop affordable water treatment methods and facilities to meet our need,” added he. Senior divisional engineer with the MoU Bal Kumar Shrestha, who is also coordinator of the joint committee, said the study also aims to solve water crisis problem by identify possible alternative sources of safe drinking water.