Assessment of Water Quality and Quantity for Khulna City Water Supply System

Abstract

Rapidly growing population and migration to urban areas in developing countries has resulted in a vital need for the establishment of centralized water supply systems to distribute portable water to residents. The declining availability of water supplies is one of the most important issues facing various countries at the present time. It has been estimated that nearly two-thirds of nations worldwide will experience water stress by the year 2025.Climate change, affluence and population growth have resulted in vast requirements of water for use in domestic, industrial and agricultural activity. Khulna is the industrial and port city of Bangladesh which is situated in the south western region of Bangladesh. The second largest seaport of the country Mongla is only few km from the city. The city is surrounded by lots of industry nevertheless it has plenty of importance for its geographical, political, historical, and financial reasons. The scarcity of water has been increasing gradually owing to increasing resettlement from the surrounding districts, for rapid urbanization and industrialization but lack of parallel growth in necessary water supply infrastructure. Currently Khulna water supply system entirely depends on groundwater source. The population of Khulna City is increasing day by day and thus increasing water demand. To meet the future water demand in Khulna the provision of extension of groundwater development is very limited. Meanwhile salinity intrusion during several months of surface water surrounding rivers is the most significant issue for development of future drinking water resource for Khulna people.To fulfill the future water demand it is very essential to use the groundwater and surface water in a combined manner. This study provides an assessment of water quality and quantity for Khulna City Water Supply System and the possible surface water sources to fulfill the additional requirement of water of KhulnaCity. It also provide the surface water quality of BhairabRiver at five selected locations and identifies locations along the Bhairab River from where river water of acceptable quality may be available for the treatment plant throughout the year. In this study we have collected water sample data fromfive selected locations along Bhairab River. We have analyzed the sample for 11 different parameters (pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, v Turbidity, Chloride, EC, DO, BOD, COD, TDS and SS) to find out the trend of those parameters and develop correlation matrix and regression equation among the water quality parameters. This study also assesses the future water demand by analyzing population trendand find out an alternation option for new water supply system.The most important factor is to propose a long term development plan for the water supply system in Khulna to establish its integrated sound water supply system in future