FOR millions in Bangladesh, water is far more than a daily need, it is the frontline of the climate crisis. From the chars of Gaibandha to the saline deltas of Satkhira and the arid Barind plains, communities now face water stress as a daily burden. Salinity seeps into ponds, floods contaminate wells and prolonged droughts leave tube wells dry. For families living on the edge of climate vulnerability, every drop matters, as it determines their health, livelihood, and stability. The less predictable the weather becomes, the more fragile the household.
Bangladesh鈥檚 exposure to climate extremes 鈥� rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, cyclones 鈥� is reshaping its water landscape. The 2021 Climate Risk Index placed Bangladesh among the most climate-vulnerable nations, with water insecurity central to that ranking. But water insecurity here is not just about scarcity. It is a crisis of access, quality, affordability and reliability, particularly for low-income households. Around 41 per cent of families, according to the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, rely on water contaminated with faecal bacteria. Arsenic contamination remains a chronic threat in parts of the country. These are not isolated technical issues, they are social injustices shaped by poverty and deepened by gender.
Women and girls shoulder the heaviest burden. They walk long distances to fetch water, especially during floods and disasters, sacrificing education, safety and income. In the Barind region, falling groundwater tables create tension between irrigation needs and domestic use. Across rural Bangladesh, agriculture consumes nearly 90 per cent of freshwater 鈥� yet many households struggle to access safe drinking water. Climate change is intensifying this imbalance and unless household water security is addressed as a priority, adaptation efforts will remain incomplete.
Encouragingly, solutions are taking root. In coastal areas where salinity has made local water sources unusable, rooftop rainwater harvesting offers hope. A 2022 report from the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies found that rainwater systems in Satkhira delivered safe water to over 2,000 households, reducing reliance on bottled water and saving women鈥檚 time. But many systems fall into disrepair without proper upkeep, underlining the need for community ownership and maintenance planning.
In the north, integrated models like Multiple-Use Water Services (MUS) have been piloted, combining domestic and productive water use. A case study in Gaibandha showed that MUS systems halved women鈥檚 water collection time while increasing income through small-scale farming and poultry rearing. Such models reveal how localised, multi-purpose systems can strengthen both household resilience and food security.
Water quality remains a critical yet often overlooked concern. Climate-induced flooding and salinity intrusion make contamination worse. Interventions like pond sand filters, household water treatment, and hygiene education are essential. A 2023 icddr,b study found that integrated WASH interventions in vulnerable areas reduced waterborne diseases by up to 40 per cent, showing clear health gains alongside climate resilience.
Technology is also expanding options. Solar-powered water pumps offer off-grid solutions that reduce emissions and costs. IoT-enabled water quality sensors can support data-driven decisions by local committees. But high upfront costs and lack of training limit scale. Without sustained institutional support and financing, such innovations risk remaining pilot projects rather than long-term solutions.
Policy frameworks like the National Adaptation Plan and the Delta Plan 2100 recognise the importance of water security, but translating strategy into action remains uneven. Local governments often lack the resources and autonomy to act meaningfully. Water user committees 鈥� especially those with active women members 鈥� need funding, technical training and decision-making power to manage water resources equitably.
Financing is another barrier. Donor-backed infrastructure remains essential but must be linked to local maintenance systems and long-term support. Microfinance institutions are beginning to offer loans for household filters and tanks, while social enterprises are experimenting with market-based purification solutions. These models can help, but public regulation and subsidies are still vital for ensuring equity.
The role of farmers is critical. Promoting water-efficient practices 鈥� such as Alternate Wetting and Drying in rice farming, or drip irrigation 鈥� can conserve water for domestic use and reduce energy consumption. A shift to less water-intensive crops would also build resilience against droughts and groundwater stress.
Crucially, women must be at the centre of water governance. As primary managers of household water, they hold essential knowledge and priorities. Supporting their participation in water committees and adaptation planning ensures interventions reflect lived realities and deliver practical results.
Bangladesh鈥檚 path to climate resilience must start with secure water access for every home. Solutions must be scaled, sustained and shaped by those who are most affected.
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Dr Makhan Lal Dutta, an agricultural engineer, is ceo of Harvesting Knowledge Consultancy.
