As we know, water poses a critical challenge to sustainable development in the 21st century. In Bangladesh, according to UN Water, only 59% of people have access to safely managed water. Globally, the demand for water has increased over the last century and is expected to grow more with time. Increasing water demand, pollution, limited supplies, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of proper awareness and management have led to global water scarcity in multiple regions.
Unfortunately, Bangladesh is experiencing a rapid depletion of groundwater, particularly noticeable in Dhaka city, where the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA), according to official report, pumps 2.55 million cubic meters of groundwater daily to fulfill the water needs of its over 23 million residents. According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), fresh water was accessible in central parts of Dhaka at a depth of 20 feet in 1970, but that depth has gone down to 240 feet and below in 2023. Groundwater is considered to be nature’s unique gift to the people of the Bengal basin, but now, mismanagement of extraction has started to upset the ecosystem.
Water crisis is prevalent not only in Bangladesh; it also poses significant risks in many parts of the world. I had the opportunity to live in several countries that are also facing water challenges, from scarcity to unequal distribution and water pollution.
For example, in my home country, Mexico, the Northern states face water scarcity, impacting various aspects of life, including agriculture, food supply, and domestic use. In the case of the UK, water is essential for domestic and industrial purposes that have lived through big droughts disrupting the country in many aspects. Even in places like Canada, where freshwater resources are abundant, there is a strong focus on preserving these resources and protecting the environment. Finally, in Bangladesh, where the country is more prone to floods and cyclones, water contamination or damage caused by humans is a big concern.
Increased threats to water supply, quality, and reliability negatively affect the community, economy, and businesses, restricting Bangladesh’s journey to achieve SDG 6, safely managed drinking water for all. Groundwater depletion is an added challenge to the existing water crisis. The lack of proper management of water extraction affects not only the citizens of Bangladesh but also businesses. Access to water has always been a vital strategic concern for multiple companies.
Still, the current trends and increased threats to the quality, supply, and water services are creating much greater risks to business viability than in the past. Growing demands might mean that a time might come when there would not be enough essential resources to maintain production. Additionally, water pollution is increasing the cost of pre-treatment for multiple industries.
Companies should prioritize increasing water access, availability, and quality, along with providing clean water, hygiene, and sanitation services to the communities grappling with water crises
Water scarcity and groundwater depletion can disrupt an organization’s operations, increase costs, and create regulatory and reputational risks. Regardless of industry, all organizations across Bangladesh must address and tackle the challenges of water scarcity for the betterment of the community and economy.
As traditional water management has been proving inadequate against the backdrop of climate instability and rising population, innovative solutions and practices are vital. Private sectors are usually at the forefront of innovation as they can seamlessly adapt and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Organizations can use multiple types of technologies to tackle the water crisis in the communities. For example, cloud technology can be used to monitor and analyze real-time water use and identify leaks. Incorporating everything from filtration to intelligent irrigation systems, tackling the water crisis can be immensely beneficial and has vast growth potential.
Recycling and reusing water is a must in the current situation of scarcity. Companies can invest in treatment plants to reuse water for businesses and communities. For example, we use in-house water treatment plants like Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Ultra Filtration (UV) and Reverse Osmosis plant (RO). The water quality and flow rate of each recycled stream were optimized to suit its end use.
The most refined water now flows into Boilers and Cooling Towers, while the lesser refined streams are used for activities such as gardening, road cleaning, washrooms and in Cold Plasma/Bio Filter Odor Control Technology. This made each different stream of recycled water “fit for purpose.” Currently, 35.8% percent of water is being recycled in our company head office and other operation sites.
Large amounts of water are vital for cultivation, making irrigation efficiency crucial. Companies can introduce innovative solutions to enhance irrigation efficiency while collaborating with farmers. For example, using poly sleeves during irrigation can reduce water wastage by 25%. Embracing local innovations such as Alternate Furrow Irrigation (AFI) and other best practices helps ensure effective water management in agriculture.
Companies nationwide should adopt international frameworks like the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) to ensure a sustainable water management. AWS helps understand shared water challenges, catchment best practices and their impacts, driving social, environmental, and economic benefits. It enables companies to assess dependencies, mitigate risks, follow responsible practices, engage with local stakeholders, and address regional challenges. By implementing AWS Standards, companies can positively impact communities and economies.
BAT Bangladesh's achievement of AWS core certification in 2022, as the first company in Bangladesh to do so, encourages other companies in the country to also pursue AWS certification.
Companies should prioritize increasing water access, availability, and quality, along with providing clean water, hygiene, and sanitation services to the communities grappling with water crises. In Bangladesh, several companies have initiated efforts to ensure safe drinking water in different regions. Collaborating with government and public entities can expedite these efforts. As highlighted by the United Nations for World Water Day 2024, tensions escalate when water is polluted, scarce, or inequitably accessed. It's crucial to unite for water protection and conservation, fulfilling SDG 6 targets.
Addressing these challenges, in line with SDGs, requires collaboration among governments, communities, and international organizations. Private companies can drive innovation in water management. However, public-private partnerships are essential for implementing frameworks and leveraging technology for sustainable solutions. Immediate action is crucial to combat water scarcity and groundwater depletion effectively.
Jorge Macedo is the Head of Operations at BAT Bangladesh.
