Assessing and Evaluating the Water Security: Water Quality, Accessibility, Availability, and Sanitation Practices Among the People of Sultanpur Village, Raozan, Chattogram
摘要
Groundwater is the only major source of potable water in Bangladesh. The concepts of quality, availability, accessibility, sanitation, and hygiene practices of drinking water all play a role in water security. This study evaluated the state of water security of Sultanpur village of Raozan Upazila, Chittagong through conducting a total of 210 household surveys, 4 Focus Group Discussions, 7 Key Informant Interviews, and lab tests to identify the issues at the grassroots level and contributing to the national development. The study's findings demonstrated that the water quality has deteriorated; people suffer from severe water scarcity, inaccessibility, sanitation, hygiene, and health issues. Other than pH, manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and temperature, the parameters did not meet the drinking BD and WHO water standards. The survey and laboratory test results showed that excessive iron (highest = 21.08 mg/l) and low dissolved oxygen (2.3 mg/L) level posed health risks for the local population. This research emphasizes the urgent need for improved water resource management and alternative solutions to address the water security issues in Bangladesh.