Freshwater availability on Earth remains relatively constant, but its utilization has been steadily increasing. While freshwater accounts for just three percent of total water on the planet, less than one percent is easily accessible, with the majority locked in glaciers. Unfortunately, this limited freshwater resource is at risk due to pollution and contamination.
The growing demand for usable freshwater has led to a decline in its overall availability. Global studies have highlighted water stress in various regions, impacting essential sectors such as potable water supply, food security, and industrial growth. Alarmingly, ecosystems and biodiversity conservation efforts have been largely overlooked.
A recent study by Arizona State University, published in Science Advances, identified 101 countries experiencing significant freshwater loss since 2002. Factors contributing to this loss include climate change, unsustainable groundwater extraction, and extreme droughts. The study, utilizing GRACE/FO satellite data, observed a consistent decrease in total water storage in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin, particularly in Bangladesh.
According to a 2019 World Bank Group report, Bangladesh withdraws approximately 32 cubic kilometers of groundwater annually, predominantly for irrigation purposes. A 2022 study by the University College London analyzed 34 years of groundwater level data from 465 monitoring wells under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). The findings revealed a continuous decline in water levels across two-thirds of the country, with unsustainable depletion rates ranging from millimeters to over two meters per year.
Effective groundwater management entails maintaining a balance between extraction and natural recharge processes. Despite abundant rainfall and river resources, groundwater remains the primary source for various water needs in Bangladesh. However, the country faces significant challenges in water resource management, exacerbated by seasonal variations in water availability.
While Bangladesh has established policies and plans for water management, implementation remains a key issue. The lack of research-based education and advocacy hinders sustainable water use practices. With escalating water demands for irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes, there is a pressing need for comprehensive data analysis to ensure efficient water resource utilization.
To mitigate groundwater depletion and address rising water demands, promoting rainwater and surface water usage is crucial. The National Water Policy 1999 emphasizes the importance of conjunctive water use and sustainable water practices. Assessing groundwater systems, monitoring storage levels, and ensuring water quality are essential steps towards sustainable water management in Bangladesh.
Sustainable groundwater planning should focus on aligning withdrawals with recharge rates, conducting regional groundwater modeling, and implementing water allocation strategies. Enhancing the monitoring network, upgrading existing wells, and building organizational capacity are vital for effective water resource management.
Efforts to improve water efficiency, reduce wastage, and engage citizens in conservation practices are essential. Establishing a specialized organization under the Ministry of Water Resources for groundwater management is crucial to ensure sustainable water use across sectors. By enhancing practices and technologies, Bangladesh can optimize water utilization and secure its water resources for future generations.