Potentials for water conservation in Dhaka city

Abstract

Water crisis becomes an enormous problem in recent time in Dhaka (Capital of Bangladesh) city where overpopulation and industrialization are alarmingly depleting the groundwater level .It is predicted that Dhaka will be the fourth largest city by the year 2015 with an estimated population of 21.1 million. At present the total water supply in Dhaka is about 1800 MLD where as the total demand is 2400 MLD. In the face of increasing water scarcities, the first and foremost priority should be given to the reduction in water consumption. Taking measures from authority and consumer to conserve water will not only meet the water demand and reduce waste load on sewerage line but also saves the money for the water provider, consumer and the city as a whole. A survey was conducted among 100 families at Dhaka city to estimate where and how much water people require in daily life. Basically the survey was made in apartment buildings of Dhaka city. Slum areas were not considered. Primary data was collected through questionnaire survey and discussion with people of different areas in Dhaka city. Another survey was made to determine the attitude and preferences of people on water conservation option. In this study the deficit of water supply of the city was calculated. The water supply for the tube-wells of different zones and the different surface water treatment plants has been collected. Most of the information has been collected from different official records and report obtained from DWASA and informal discussion with DWASA staff. Population data has been collected and analyzed to projects the present and future water crisis. The study shows separately how much water people require in different activities (like bathing, drinking, toilet, faucets, washing, cooking etc).The study also suggests, depending on the habit and system, there is a possibility of savings of water, savings of money and electricity from the reduction in people’s daily water use. According to the study about 30% (9 GPCD) of the household’s water can be saved by installing the water efficient plumbing fixture with habitual change. An analysis is made for a model apartment building of 60 people. From an apartment building of 60 people the study shows that with 15% reduction from daily water uses, approximately 375 gallons (1700 Liter) of water can be saved each day. The cost of this savings will be equivalent to 111 US$ per year at present water tariff and the corresponding energy savings will be 180 KWh per year. This amount is equivalent to 576 US$ of DWASA vehicle water and 6.6 Million Taka (96000 US$) of bottled water. The study also shows that the water requirement for household level is higher as compared to many other cities in the Asia. System loss in main distribution system, non metered connection, lower water tariff and ignorance on the valuation of water are the major barriers for the conservation practices in Dhaka city.