Bangladesh to boost surface water use, reduce groundwater reliance by 2030

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government is actively working to gradually increase the use of surface water across all divisional cities, including Dhaka, to alleviate the strain on groundwater resources. This strategic shift is targeted for completion by 2030.

Currently, Dhaka's water supply heavily depends on groundwater, with Dhaka WASA sourcing about 65 to 70 percent of its water from underground. To address the alarming drop in groundwater levels due to excessive extraction, the government is implementing projects to purify water from the Padma, Meghna, and Shitalakshya rivers. These purification efforts are centered around two water treatment facilities located in Gandharvapur and Sayedabad.

In contrast, Chattogram WASA sources approximately 92 percent of its water from surface sources like rivers and reservoirs, with the remainder from deep tube wells. Rajshahi WASA also relies on surface water bodies due to the significant depletion of its groundwater. Emphasis is being placed on initiatives for Rajshahi and Rangpur, where groundwater levels are declining rapidly. Rajshahi WASA's project to construct a surface water treatment plant with a 200 million liters daily capacity is currently 48 percent complete.

For Khulna and Barisal, salinity in river water presents a challenge, prompting the development of large-scale water treatment plants and alternative reservoirs. Sylhet and Mymensingh, surrounded by hills and rivers, have ample surface water, but projects are in place to combat pollution and ensure safe drinking water. To promote water conservation, the government is distributing awareness leaflets, conducting public campaigns, holding public hearings, and encouraging religious leaders to deliver messages during Friday sermons. Television and radio are also broadcasting promotional content to raise public awareness.