Social perception on rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse: Opportunities and challenges of a fast-growing township in Dhaka

Abstract

Dhaka, the only megacity of Bangladesh is facing water stress due to unplanned urbanization and lack of sustainable water management practices. The two important components of Integrated Urban Water Management, i.e., rainwater harvesting (RWH) and wastewater reuse are hardly practiced in Dhaka. A new township is growing in Dhaka to meet the dwelling needs of middle-income groups with the opportunities to integrate both the systems. However, the integration is either missing or lacks considerations of sustainability. This study explores the perceptions of 256 respondents (beneficiary and functionary) to ascertain the opportunities and challenges of integration of RWH and wastewater of the growing township using structured questionnaires. The awareness, level of knowledge, willingness and key necessities have been explored through the questions. The general awareness level on RWH and wastewater reuse ranges between 30% - 62% and 34%- 42% respectively for different age groups. Around 70% of the respondents lack knowledge on regulatory aspects of its implementation. Apart from economic insights, the perception reveals around 64% willingness towards its integration for urban water demand management. Complete awareness generation, enforcement of compliance and streamlining the process of integration are the key imperatives to offset the non-adoption of both components.