Abstract
In this research, it is proposed that until safe piped water supply systems like those in developed countries are established in developing countries, a two way system of piped and bottled water, the so called Hybrid System, should be introduced. Both should be provided by the same public water utilities. The objective of this research is to clarify the feasibility of the proposed the hybrid system from the viewpoints of water utilities' finance and residents' expense. Results of field surveys in three developing countries showed that the real situation of residents' water usage. And results of simulations under the conditions of surveyed areas showed that users can get more bottled water than ever at a cheaper price. At the same time, the water utilities can get a lot of profits from the sale of bottled water and can use the profits for re-habilitation or renewal of their facilities. Therefore, results of this study showed that safe drinking water and water for other uses could be guaranteed as Basic Human Needs for all residents with an appropriate charge by introducing the hybrid system. Thus, the proposed hybrid system results in a WIN-WIN situation for residents and water utilities in developing countries.
