Access to potable water for coastal people

The drinking water crisis in the coastal areas of the Sundarbans is chronic. Because of the high salinity in this region, safe water is not usually available by installing tube wells. So the people of this region have been using pond water for drinking water for a long time. But as unplanned shrimp farming began in the region in the 60's, the salinity level increased and drinking water ponds came under shrimp farming, which intensified the drinking water crisis. Currently, the shortage of safe water has been exacerbated by climate change disasters, especially tidal surges, rising tidal waters, droughts, droughts, increasing salinity and declining upstream freshwater flows which is increasing day by day. Now people in coastal areas are totally dependent on pond water and rain water for drinking water.

Initiative:To remove the sufferings of pure drinking water of the Coastal region, Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS) has re-excavated three ponds and by using local technology pond sand and filter (PSF) system has been installed to collect rain water. Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System has been set up to enhance the quality of water. The local people are engaged in the water producing and distributing activities and they have established a community-based sustainable water business model for its long-term sustainability and a proper management system. Safe water is being supplied to remote areas by vehicles.

Impact: Most of the time the people of the locality got used to pond water for drinking and cooking purpose. They often suffered from various kinds of water contaminated diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, Jaundice, dysentery etc. Pure drinking water was a cherished desire to them. After installing the Reverse Osmosis System, more than 9000 coastal villagers are getting safe drinking water at a cheap rate which is only 0.5 TK per liter. This little charge is taken for the maintenance cost of water production so that this activity will sustain in the long run process.

Feedbacks from the beneficiaries:A housewife expressed her feelings about RO water. “We are very happy for supplying this RO water. This water is well enough for health and price is very low. We can easily afford to buy this water.”

We would like to thank all our donors for their amazing and continuous support for the coastal deprived people. We are requesting all our donors to start monthly recurring donation by clicking the following link;

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/support-drinking-water-to-the-poor-coastal-people?show=recurring

Greenery is all around of the coastal area of Bangladesh but there is lack of pure drinking water. Safe water is a fundamental resource for life and livelihood. Here water is available everywhere in the Sundarbans coastal region but the water is saline; it is not fit for drinking purposes. The coastal people have to depend on rain water. They store water in plastic tank in the monsoon which is very insufficient for them. Besides, various kinds of germs grow in the water of this tank and it becomes unfit for drinking.

Initiative: Getting rid of the drinking water problems of the coastal region, BEDS has established 4000 liter/hour Reverse Osmosis water purification system with Water ATM in Uttor Banishanta village and 500 liter/hour Reverse Osmosis Water Purification systems with Water ATM in Paschim Dhangmari by using the existing facilities (Solar Pond Sand and Filter system). As a result 3000 families (9000 people approx) are now getting access to pure drinking water. Safe water is being supplied to remote areas by vehicles. We have also installed 16 water wells in the Sundarbans coastal region.

Impact:The people of coastal region are live from hand to mouth and they are not capable of buying mineral water as its price is too high. But now the scenario has changed, people are getting door to door fresh water service as well as using water ATM card at a very low price. By using RO water, the coastal people are free from all kinds of water contaminated diseases. A community-based sustainable water business model has been introduced for its sustainability and long-term management.     

Feedbacks from the beneficiaries:A woman who lives in Paschim Dhangmari village expressed her feelings about RO water – “Before we used pond water for cooking and drinking purposes and we had to suffer from various kinds of water contaminated diseases. As a result we spent a lot of money for treatment. The sufferings of my children knew no bounds. After using the RO water from BEDS, we are free from all kinds of water contaminated diseases and leading a smooth life. I would like to express the gratefulness for BEDS and water service staffs.”

We would like to thank all our donors for their amazing and continuous support for the coastal deprived people. We are requesting all our donors to start monthly recurring donation by clicking the following link;

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/support-drinking-water-to-the-poor-coastal-people?show=recurring