Chittagong city is grappling with an escalating water crisis as high salinity levels in supply water disrupt daily life. Residents report that salinity has surpassed tolerable levels this year, occasionally leading to the suspension of water supply to various neighborhoods by the Chittagong Wasa.
The crisis has intensified over the past week, exacerbating the suffering of city residents. This year, salinity in Chittagong water has already reached up to 2,100mg per litre, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines of 400 to 600mg per litre for safe consumption. The elevated salinity poses a severe health hazard to the general public.
Experts suggest that the salinity may increase further this year due to reduced freshwater underground and the intrusion of salty seawater into the river. Chittagong Wasa officials attribute the seawater intrusion to a lack of rain, exacerbated by tides during new and full moons. The situation worsens during high tides as insufficient water is released from the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Chittagong Wasa sources indicate a daily water demand of 500 million litres, with only 420 to 450 million litres currently supplied from four water treatment plant projects. The severity of the salinity issue is particularly notable in two projects, with the Mohra Water Treatment Plant identified as a major source of the problem.
Wasa Chief Engineer Maksud Alam explained that saline sea water entering the Karnaphuli River, coupled with insufficient water release from the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant, contributes to the salinity problem. Despite ongoing projects to address salinity, the solutions are time-consuming.
Residents are facing challenges accessing safe water, with complaints of water bills increasing annually while the quality of water remains compromised. The aged pipeline infrastructure exacerbates the situation, leading to water wastage due to leaks.
Chittagong Wasa officials acknowledge the complexity of the salinity issue, with the severity likely to surpass last year’s levels. Environmentalist and researcher Dr. Idris Ali highlight the intricate nature of the problem, foreseeing an increase in challenges faced by Wasa water consumers.
The manager of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant, ATM Abduzzah, attributes the decreased power generation to significantly lower water levels in Kaptai Lake, resulting from prolonged rainfall scarcity. As Chittagong residents grapple with the water crisis, collaborative efforts and innovative solutions are crucial to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by salinity and ensuring access to safe and sustainable water sources.
