Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira District, located in the southwestern coastal belt of Bangladesh, is among the most climate-vulnerable regions globally. Adjacent to the Sundarbans, it experiences extreme hydrological stress and faces multiple threats, including transboundary river-sharing disputes, river and wetland encroachment, and the loss of local water bodies due to human activities. Freshwater systems are increasingly degraded by salinity intrusion and rising sea levels, compounded by reduced upstream discharge from the Ganges–Brahmaputra delta (Rahman et al., 2022). Unregulated shrimp aquaculture and embankment failures have further accelerated saline infiltration into ponds and shallow aquifers, resulting in acute freshwater scarcity, especially during pre-monsoon dry months when rainfall is minimal, and groundwater becomes highly saline (Islam et al., 2022; Khan & Paul, 2023).
As ponds dry up, communities—particularly women and children—must travel long distances to collect drinking water, often from sources contaminated by salinity and microbial pathogens. Water quality studies indicate high electrical conductivity (EC > 12–20 dS/m) and total dissolved solids (TDS > 1,200 mg/L), making many sources unsafe for human consumption (Hossain et al., 2025). Groundwater at depths of 200–300 feet is typically saline, while surface ponds are seasonally brackish or dry during pre-monsoon periods.
Limited access to safe freshwater severely impacts public health and livelihoods. Women spend hours daily collecting water, facing physical strain and social risks (Islam & Anwar, 2021). Waterborne and salinity-related health issues, including diarrhea, skin infections, and hypertension, are prevalent (Dasgupta et al., 2021).
Low-cost technologies available in the region include Pond Sand Filters (PSFs) and household- or community-level rainwater harvesting systems. Some households purchase potable water from private vendors, while reverse osmosis systems are occasionally operated by private providers or community groups with NGO support. Access to drinkable water from deep tube wells is rare due to contamination by salinity and heavy metals. A piped water supply system has yet to be established by the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE).
Field programs by organizations such as Rupantar, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, and DSK demonstrate that PSFs and rainwater harvesting systems are among the most cost-effective solutions for saline-prone coastal Bangladesh (Kabir et al., 2022; Islam & Anwar, 2021). Rupantar’s 2018–2021 Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation Program restored dozens of PSFs in Shyamnagar, serving over 5,000 people. However, maintenance and technical capacity remain major challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable models, capacity building, and innovative technologies.
Photo by Mohammad Shahriar Foisal
The planned action aimed to improve access to safe freshwater in Shyamnagar Upazila, addressing the region’s acute freshwater scarcity, salinity intrusion, and related public health challenges. The primary objectives were: (i) to restore and expand low-cost, climate-resilient drinking water technologies such as Pond Sand Filters (PSFs) and rainwater harvesting systems, (ii) to enhance the capacity of local communities in maintaining and operating these systems sustainably, and (iii) to develop scalable models that could be replicated in other saline-prone coastal districts.
The leadership role in defining these objectives was taken by local NGOs, including Rupantar in close collaboration with community representatives, local government bodies (Union Parishads), and technical experts from the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE). The objectives were formulated through participatory workshops, field consultations, and baseline surveys that engaged diverse stakeholders, including women’s groups, local farmers, and aquaculture associations. Community input was crucial in identifying priority locations for intervention and the types of water technologies most appropriate to local conditions.
During project implementation, a clear succession of decisions guided actions. Initial assessments identified areas with the highest freshwater scarcity, salinity levels, and health risks. Following this, priority technologies—PSFs and household/community rainwater harvesting systems—were selected based on cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and sustainability. Alternative options, such as deep tube wells and piped water systems, were considered but deprioritized due to high salinity contamination, cost, and lack of infrastructure. Decisions were made using a combination of water quality data, community consultations, and lessons learned from previous projects in coastal Bangladesh.
Actions taken included the rehabilitation of existing PSFs, installation of new rainwater harvesting systems, and training of local caretakers for operation and maintenance. Instruments used encompassed technical manuals for PSF construction, participatory monitoring tools for water quality, and maintenance schedules co-developed with community groups. Local government bodies facilitated land access and regulatory approvals, while NGOs provided technical guidance, materials, and capacity-building support.
Stakeholder consultation was central throughout the process. Public consultations were conducted to ensure alignment with community needs and priorities, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as women and children who bear the primary burden of water collection.
The project’s decision-making and action sequence emphasized a balance between technical feasibility, community ownership, and long-term sustainability. By combining local knowledge, scientific assessment, and stakeholder consultation, the planned actions were designed to provide immediate relief from freshwater scarcity while building a foundation for replicable, resilient water management interventions across other coastal districts. The approach illustrates a comprehensive model of participatory, evidence-based planning, ensuring that the most effective and sustainable solutions are prioritized and implemented.
However, there is scope to engage the private sector for investment and for developing sustainable business models and innovative technologies to address the drinking water crisis. Additionally, capacity building within government institutions—particularly in terms of strengthening transparency, accountability, monitoring, and grievance management—is essential.
The actions taken in Shyamnagar Upazila have led to significant, measurable outcomes in terms of functional infrastructure, capacity building, health improvements, environmental benefits, and replication potential, though several challenges remain.
As a result of the interventions, fifteen Pond Sand Filters (PSFs) were rehabilitated, and ten new rainwater harvesting systems were installed, providing a year-round freshwater supply to approximately 6,000 people. These interventions have ensured access to potable water even during the pre-monsoon dry months, reducing reliance on saline groundwater and mitigating seasonal water scarcity.
Capacity building was a key outcome of the project. Thirty caretakers were trained to manage PSFs effectively, with 50% female participation, enhancing gender equity in water management. Active Water User Committees were institutionalized at the union level, providing a formal structure for local water governance. These committees facilitate routine maintenance, monitor water quality, and mobilize community participation.
The provision of reliable freshwater access has had tangible health benefits. Waterborne disease prevalence is expected to reduce by at least 30%, while household hygiene has improved due to easier access to clean water. Women and children spend less time collecting water, freeing time for education, income-generating activities, and social engagement. These improvements contribute to overall community well-being and strengthen resilience against health risks associated with salinity and contamination. Despite these gains, challenges persist in reaching all vulnerable households, and continued monitoring is required to sustain health outcomes.
The project has contributed to reduced extraction of saline water from local ponds and aquifers, helping restore pond ecosystems and improve freshwater availability. Rehabilitation of PSFs and rainwater harvesting systems has reduced stress on natural water bodies, supporting environmental sustainability. Long-term environmental benefits will depend on regular maintenance, community engagement, and continued monitoring of water quality.
A significant outcome of the project is the development of a scalable model for other coastal unions in Satkhira, Khulna, and Barguna. The approach integrates technical solutions, community participation, and institutional arrangements, offering a replicable framework for climate-resilient water management in other saline-prone areas.
While the project achieved its primary objectives, several implementation issues remain. Committees and caretakers responsible for maintenance may relocate or change positions, creating leadership gaps that disrupt routine and seasonal maintenance. Management of revolving funds is hindered due to informal, voluntary arrangements, often leading to service abandonment. Advocacy with local government sometimes ceases once project interventions end, as communities, youth groups, and CSOs rarely take independent initiative without NGO facilitation. Funding constraints from government agencies further limit sustained action, while research and upgrading of local water technologies remain limited, constraining innovation and long-term sustainability.
The interventions have strengthened local capacity, improved public health, and provided a replicable model for water management. Women, children, and vulnerable households are among the primary beneficiaries (winners), while limitations in funding and institutional capacity represent ongoing challenges (losers). Sustainability will depend on continued caretaker engagement, functional Water User Committees, and support from both local government and private actors. Investment in innovative technologies, private sector engagement, and sustainable business models can further enhance the long-term impact of these initiatives.
- Community ownership and trained caretakers are key for PSF sustainability.
- Gender inclusion ensures accountability and equitable access.
- PSF and RWHS provides low-cost drought resilience technologies in saline areas.
- Institutional links with Union Parishads support post-project maintenance.
- Continuous monitoring enables scaling and policy integration.
