World Earth Day: How rainwater harvesting is securing safe drinking water in coastal Bangladesh

Climate change is increasing water salinity in coastal Bangladesh, putting safe drinking water out of reach for millions. This World Earth Day, we explore how CARE's NABAPALLAB project is helping families in Satkhira District adapt by harvesting and storing rainwater.

The impact of climate change in Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events due to climate change. These changes have serious consequences for coastal communities, which are affected by flooding, cyclones, and seawater intrusion - all of which increase water salinity. Water salinity rises when seawater enters freshwater supplies, raising salt levels and making the water unsafe to drink.

CARE International has worked with communities in Bangladesh for decades to address the impacts of climate change on water, food security, and livelihoods. Right now, the NABAPALLAB project in Bangladesh is working with coastal communities to harvest and store rainwater, ensuring access to safe drinking water when freshwater sources become too saline.

The harsh realities of climate change: Rising salinity levels in Bangladesh

Salma Begum, 48, lives with her family in the coastal region of Satkhira District, one of the areas where the NABAPALLAB project operates. Like many families in this region, they have faced the harsh realities of climate change, as rising salinity levels have turned freshwater sources saline.

One study found that drinking water in coastal Bangladesh can contain up to 2.5 mg of salt per litre of drinking water - meaning that anyone drinking 2-3 litres a day would be consuming dangerous levels of salt. This is linked to health problems such as high blood pressure and chronic diseases, with serious consequences especially for pregnant women and their babies. This shortage of fresh water has meant families have been forced to travel long distances to collect safe drinking water.

The solution to water salinity: Harvesting rainwater

To address this challenge, CARE and partner DSK work with communities facing water scarcity to install rainwater harvesting systems. These systems mean families like Salma's can collect, store, and filter rainwater for both agriculture and household consumption - saving time and ensuring they have access to vital water supply.

Because these rainwater harvesting systems already include filters to remove any harmful contaminants, the rainwater doesn't require further purification before drinking.

Building climate resilience through climate-smart farming

Through the project, Salma and her family not only have a safer and more reliable source of fresh water, they have also been able to explore new farming techniques that will help them to adapt in response to climate change.

Previously, Salma relied on buying vegetables from the market to feed her family, and they were often unable to afford to buy enough to meet their nutritional needs. Through training sessions provided by NABAPALLAB partner Cordaid, Salma has learned climate-smart techniques for cultivating vegetables in saline soil and water.

Now, with new farming techniques and her rainwater storage system, Salma can grow nutritious food for her family and sell ginger at the market to generate extra income.

Salma's story reflects resilience and adaptation in the face of climate challenges. By adopting rainwater harvesting and climate-smart agriculture, she has improved her family's health, nutrition, and income. Her journey shows the power of knowledge and support for families on the front-line of climate change, as they adapt and overcome the challenges it brings.