Appraisal of a water supply system (Bangladesh)

The south-western coastal zone of Bangladesh is severely facing a crisis for safe drinking water and frequent natural disasters enhancing this problem more acute here. Among the south-western coastal regions, Assasuni Upazila (subdistrict) & Satkhira Municipality under the Satkhira district was selected for this study as the difficulties of safe drinking water are severe here and maximum Water Supply Systems (WSSs) are present in this area. This research is aimed to assess Sustainable WSS in the study area among the different existing water supply options (Open Surface Water (e.g., Pond), Pond Sand Filter, Shallow Tube Well, Deep Tube Well, Rain Water Harvesting, Reverse Osmosis and Metered Water for pipeline supply). The sustainability of WSS is appraised on the basis of technical suitability, economic viability, and social acceptability combinedly. A triangular diagram of WSS Sustainability is also made based on that 3 pillars. Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WQI) method was used for WQI value to assess the water suitability for drinking purpose. This study showed a detailed picture of WSS from the study area which may help govt., development practitioners and donor agency to do something better for clean drinking water there. Due to lack of proper maintenance, some WSS becoming unsuitable to use and some providing short term solutions or severely affecting by natural disasters. Safe and Sustainable WSS will ensure the Bangladesh Standard (BDS) Water Quality value needed in the study area to meet the target of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).