Sewer misconnection: Recommendations for increasing sewer connections in low-income urban communities in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, approximately 31% of urban residents are living without safely managed sanitation, the majority of whom are slum residents. To improve the situation, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) is implementing the Dhaka Sanitation Improvement Project (DSIP), mostly funded by the World Bank. This study assessed the challenges and opportunities of bringing low-income communities (LICs) under a sewerage connection within the proposed sewerage network plan by 2025. We conducted nine key-informant interviews from DWASA and City Corporation, and 23 focus-group discussions with landlords, tenants, and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) from 16 LICs near the proposed catchment area. To achieve connections, LICs would require improved toilet infrastructures and have to be connected to main roads. Construction of large communal septic tanks is also required where individual toilet connections are difficult. To encourage connection in LICs, income-based or area-based subsidies were recommended. For financing maintenance, respondents suggested monthly fee collection for management of the infrastructure by dividing bills equally among sharing households, or by users per household. Participants also suggested the government’s cooperation with development-partners/NGOs to ensure sewerage connection construction, operation, and maintenance and prerequisite policy changes such as assuring land tenure.

.Handwashing with soap at key times is an effective means of reducing pathogen transmission. In a low-income community in urban Dhaka, we piloted and evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of a shared handwashing intervention. This included promotion by community health promoters of a homemade solution of detergent powder mixed with water and stored in a 1.5-L reclaimed mineral water bottle. Community health promoters encouraged sharing of the recurrent detergent cost among compound members. Of 152 participating compounds, fieldworkers randomly selected 60 for qualitative assessment. Fieldworkers conducted 30 in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions among purposively selected compound members. The reclaimed bottles served as an easily accessible dispenser for the soapy water, which could feasibly be retained next to the toilet and kitchen areas for communal use. Bottles functioned as a positive reminder for handwashing at recommended key times. Most compounds (45/60, 75%) shared a common soapy water system and its associated costs. There was reluctance to prepare soapy water for shared use in the remaining 25%. Soapy water was an acceptable hand cleaning agent, with the bottle as a feasible dispenser. It was simple in design, cost-effective, replicable, popular with intervention recipient, and neighboring nonrecipients, and commonly shared among nonrelated households. The need to share expenses and product preparation served as a barrier. Developing a sustainable maintenance system, therefore, is critical to ensuring the public health benefits of handwashing with soap.

This study investigated the quality of drinking water within the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation, Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on the Maintenance, Operation, Distribution and Service (MODS) Zones established by the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA). It specifically targeted MODS Zones 4 and 10, which were selected to evaluate and optimize urban water distribution systems. Water samples were systematically collected from pumping stations and consumer reservoirs to evaluate urban distribution systems. Analyses were conducted following the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules (2023) and WHO guidelines. Findings from Zone 4, particularly in Arambag and Section 6/C, revealed bacterial contamination in reservoir samples, with total bacterial counts of 5 CFU/100 ml, including 3 CFU/10 ml fecal coliforms, 1 CFU/10 ml total coliforms, and 1 CFU/10 ml Escherichia coli (E. coli). These results indicate serious public health risks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for corrective action to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water access.

Access to safe sanitation remains a challenge in urban areas globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In cities like Dhaka, Bangladesh, despite efforts to expand sewer connections, uptake among households remains low. This study investigates both the psychological and administrative barriers to household sewer connections. We conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study in five Dhaka zones operated by the Dhaka Water and Sewerage Authority (DWASA). We surveyed 384 households, conducted five Key Informant Interviews, and 10 In-Depth Interviews. Survey participants included households with toilets connected to the foul-water sewer or to open drainage. We used the risks, attitudes, norms, abilities, and self-regulation (RANAS) framework to examine socio-demographics, and psychological factors determining connection behaviour. Individual-level barriers included the lack of knowledge about connection procedures and perceived low risks of disease transmission among those who had not connected to the sewer. Organisational-level barriers included complex administrative processes, high installation costs, bureaucratic delays, inadequate support from DWASA, and outdated infrastructure. Addressing the global urban sanitation crisis requires interventions that simultaneously tackle administrative barriers (such as streamlining processes and enhancing financial support) and psychological factors (including raising awareness about the benefits and procedures of sewer connection and fostering a sense of ownership).

The present study evaluated water supply geochemistry in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, to provide detailed trace level (subppb) water quality data that include major ions, low dissolved oxygen (DO) and toxic trace metals for sustainable development. Dhaka Groundwater, which almost uniformly meets the World Health Organization guideline, has become the preferred source. Due to groundwater depletion and an ever-increasing need to meet water demands by city residents, Dhaka water supply and sewerage authority has initiated the treatment of river water, despite the fact that very little is known about the geochemical structure, and trace metal content in the Dhaka water supply. Major ion composition of water samples was determined, and the results used to generate Stiff diagrams. The diagrams served to visually compare water from different sources based on units of mass/volume. Hydrochemical facies analysis showed supply ground and surface waters are comprised predominately of Ca-Na-Mg-HCO3 and Ca-Na-Mg-HCO3-Cl types. Spatial distribution of ions, and Na/Cl and Na/SiO2 molar ratio indicated that silicate weathering is the dominant geochemical process. Chemical data revealed that toxic Cr metal mobilization is associated with chemical hazards from the leather industry. The vulnerability of deep wells to contamination by As is governed by the geometry of induced groundwater flow paths and the geochemical conditions encountered between the shallow and deep regions of the aquifer. Quantifying total arsenic (As) and As from interlocking geochemical cycles (Fe, Mn) may assist in interpreting As dynamics in Dhaka well water. The surface source water was hypoxic to anoxic low DO associated with very high concentrations of biological oxygen demands, and electrical conductivity compared to industrial and non-industrial urban processes and standard activity guidelines. The results of this study should be applied to future research focused on the potential to improve water quality in urban and surrounding areas.

Prior to adopting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bangladesh achieved 100% access to sanitation by 2015 mostly by on-site sanitation systems (OSSs). The major drawbacks of the OSSs are the deposition of the Faecal Sludge (FS) underground and environmental pollution due to the indiscriminate disposal of FS. As an overpopulated country, 40% out of 162 million people live in urban areas. However, the national planning process; the Five-Year Planning (FY 2016-20) did not put emphasis on the Faecal Sludge Management (FSM). Major policies also did not address FSM though there are various policies relevant to promote safe sanitation. Against this backdrop, it is difficult to manage the second-generation sanitation challenge like FSM services for the enormously growing urban population. However, to achieve the target of sustainable sanitation (SDG 6.2), the country needs much attention to address the FSM services with a huge public investment to build necessary infrastructures and initiate service delivery by involving stakeholders. This study investigated the role of public finance in addressing urban FSM services in two urban centers: Dhaka and Faridpur. The current public financing addressed FSM service for 39% of inhabitants in Faridpur; while in Dhaka, FSM service is very negligible and Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) is facilitating only the emptying service by engaging the private enterprises and NGOs shows a resource gap for FSM financing. Lack of institutional coordination, role clarity on service delivery, service provisioning, capacity, leadership, and inappropriate resource sharing among the utilities are the key challenges. The study has drawn a set of public financing mechanisms to achieve urban FSM service.

Dhaka is one of the densely populated megacities in developing countries with rapidly growing urban population. A significant portion of Dhaka’s population lives in informal settlements and is truly deprived of adequate water services. The study was intended to explore obstacles behind promoting sustainable water services to urban poor in Dhaka city as well as to find out opportunities in this regard. A questionnaire survey was conducted amongthe officials of 3 government organizations and 3 non-governmental organizations. In Dhaka city, water services provided by the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority is largely groundwater dependent, and a small amount of supplied water comes from surface water sources. The study revealed that compare to rising water demands, supply is absolutely unsatisfactory to city dwellers mainly due to poor infrastructures, lack of sustainable planning and management practices, population pressure and financial constraints. The study showed that conjunctive use of surface water and rainwater, with limited extraction of ground water could be better way for providing sustainable water services to urban poor in Dhaka city. Moreover, effective coordination between government organizations & NGOs and incorporation of private sectors and local community in the service sectors can help to provide sustainable water services.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(2): 1-10 2017

Hydraulic design of pressurized water supply and distribution system generally is subjected to satisfy adequate consumer demand with minimum specified pressure within network. Available pressure and distribution of the flow to the consumer end are quite significantly affected by the house connection (HC) pipe, storage reservoir (including both the underground and roof tank) and storage type, pumping system and demand pattern. In addition, supply through a distribution pipe is also affected by the relative consumption behavior of all HCs connected with that pipe. Under the Dhaka Water Supply Sector Development Project (DWSSDP); Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) aims to develop a pressurized water supply and distribution system in Dhaka. This study investigates the change in supply pattern due to presence of above factors in between consumer and distribution network. Storage inflow variation due to change in HC pipe diameter and available pressure was analyzed. Again, effects of pumping rate on inflow-outflow of the both storages are determined for a typical consumption pattern. Adequacy of pumping schedule, pumping rate and HC pipe diameter to utilize storage capacity are also investigated. Simplified tentative analyses have been carried out for a single HC (a typical 10 storey building). Flow in HC pipe, storage behavior and peaking of demand are found to be affected quite significantly in the analyses. Finally probable effective combination of HC pipe and pumping system is analyzed to find optimum pressure-flow management.

Dhaka is the largest and fastest-growing urban city in Bangladesh with a population density of 44,500/km2. Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) is the sole legal entity to develop and maintain a water supply system for city people. 78% DWASA water comes from underground—which leads to incremental depletion of groundwater. In this condition, reducing groundwater dependence and switching to surface water is the only way forward. Growing and increasingly wealthier population, climate change and the urbanization process deteriorate the Shitalakshya River which is the surface water source of DWASA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the DWASA supplied water quality around Dhaka city. Physicochemical and microbiological Parameters were analyzed by American Public Health Association (APHA) standard methods. The measured pH value (6.58-7.03) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) value (6.10-7.50 mg/L) of samples indicate safe potable water. Calcium and Magnesium were found at a significant level. Both of these elements are essential for the human body. There were no heavy metals contamination in water supplied by DWASA. Total Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms of all samples showed less than 0.2 MPN/mL (most probable number <0.2 indicates absence of test organism in 1 mL). Total Viable Count (TVC) of all samples were less than 100 cfu/mL. The observed result was compared to acceptable limit of drinking water of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and Environment Conservation Rules, 1997, Bangladesh guideline. This study demonstrated that in general the potable water quality status of Dhaka city ranged from excellent to good.

Non-revenue Water (NRW) is an important component of commercial water system management. NRW is the result of pipelines leakage, improper, illegal service connections and theft water. NRW contributes system loss that is a buzzword. Actually, NRW is uncounted water that has been produced but it is confirmed to be “lost” before it consumes the customer. This matter agitates for all concern and specially it affects the whole economy. Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) is one of the main utilities in Dhaka City and it is the mostimportant sector of the Government of Bangladesh. The potable water distribution network has been installed at the whole area of the city and it covers periphery of the city and its extension is going from N. Gonj to Tongi as well as surrounding area of this city. Non-revenue water surveys were conducted on specific fields and areas that were selected randomly. It would be gradually becoming a serious issue affecting the interest of all concerned andwould be one of the major crises to be solved with techno-managerial concept.

Chapter 1 - Experimental investigation of leaked potable water quality supplied by the leading water treatment plant in Bangladesh

Research Article| March 01 2003 Surface water quality in and around Dhaka City K. M. A. Sohel; K. M. A. Sohel 1Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet, Bangladesh Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar M. A. I. Chowdhury; M. A. I. Chowdhury 1Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet, Bangladesh Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar M. F. Ahmed M. F. Ahmed 2Civil Engineering Department, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2003) 52 (2): 141–153. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2003.0014 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Cite Icon Cite Permissions Search Site Search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentAll JournalsThis Journal Search Advanced Search Citation K. M. A. Sohel, M. A. I. Chowdhury, M. F. Ahmed; Surface water quality in and around Dhaka City. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 March 2003; 52 (2): 141–153. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2003.0014 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex The quality of water, from both surface and groundwater sources, has recently being endangered by many factors, natural and man-made, which have caused a deterioration. The quality of the water sources used in Bangladesh is at high risk, especially in the capital city of Dhaka, due to increased pollution resulting from unlimited migration of rural people. Consequently, the existing groundwater-based water supply system is not adequate to fulfil the water demand of the mega-city Dhaka. To alleviate the city's present severe water crisis, the question has been asked as to why the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) is not using the rivers around Dhaka as a source of water. In this context, DWASA is seriously considering two options: (i) introduction of a separate water supply system for domestic purposes other than drinking water by pumping available river water around the city; and (ii) installation of a small-scale treatment plant for water supply using river water around the city as a source of raw water. Implementation of either of these options will require a study on the quality of the water sources, and development of appropriate cost-effective treatment methods. A study has been conducted at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to evaluate the important physical, chemical, and biological water quality parameters of the five rivers around Dhaka City. Test results indicate that the water of all rivers around Dhaka City is highly polluted during the dry season, except for water of the River Sitalakhya. The important water quality parameters in the dry and wet seasons, when compared with earlier values, indicate that the degree of pollution of these rivers is gradually increasing with time. This paper focuses on the study and analysis of important water quality parameters of river waters around Dhaka City. BOD5, colour, faecal coliforms, river water, total solids, turbidity This content is only available as a PDF. © IWA Publishing 2003 You do not currently have access to this content.

The production of space in the negotiation of water and electricity supply in a bosti of Dhaka

Mott MacDonald to work on water supply project in Bangladesh

The population of Dhaka city is now assumed to be around 20 million. The city dwellers are facing acute shortage of water. Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) and Directorate of Public Health and Engineering (DPHE) are distributing water in Dhaka city. The present water demand is 2,474 MLD but the production is 2087.5. The DWASA is supplying water through 661 deep tube wells to the inhabitants of the city and more than 2000 private tube wells are abstracting water from different depths. This paper focuses on the demand and supply gap, collection pattern of water, its supply chain and wastages by different groups of people, finding alternative options to meet the crisis management etc. The DWASA needs to collect surface and rainwater and distribute after treatment. We recommend reducing the dependency on groundwater to maintain satisfactory underground level of water. The authority should replace the old supply chain by a new one, installing more number of new pumps with high capacity and establishing more number of overhead tanks. Industry and tannery should be relocated outsight the city to avoid water contamination and ensuring the availability of quality water. The Government should encourage the entrepreneurs by providing SME loan to establish more number of bottle/jar drinking water factories outskirts of Dhaka city and near the river bank under the close monitoring of Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute (BSTI), DWASA and DPHE to provide safe drinking water.&#x0D;