Community finance and promotion of Managed Aquifer Recharge systems affect uptake and sustainability as a potable water source in southwest coastal Bangladesh: A qualitative study

Background In the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh ground water, normally used for drinking, is excessively saline. Increased salinity in drinking water can have a range of adverse health impacts. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems, which infiltrate rainwater and fresh pond water into aquifers, are adaptive strategies to deliver low-saline water to the affected communities. Several MAR systems have been piloted in these regions. The MAR pilot study demonstrated the potential for increasing freshwater availability and sustainable year-round drinking water supplies. The objective of this study was to identify MAR system management shortcomings and strengths to provide recommendations that are applicable for future MAR systems and engineering driven water management methods in low-income countries.Methods A qualitative study among the 18 pilot MAR communities with access to MAR systems since 2010 was conducted to assess perceptions of drinking MAR water and usage patterns. We conducted in-depth interviews (24), key informant interviews (2) and focus group discussions (3).Results More than half (13) of the respondents reported that drinking saline water causes diarrhea, dysentery, gastritis, digestive or abdominal disorders none described impact on blood pressure. More than two thirds (13/18) of current MAR users reported MAR as their preferred drinking water source. Almost half (11) reported that they were familiar with MAR but don’t understand how it works. A majority of respondents (17) considered MAR water safe because they thought there are no germs present. Nonetheless, respondents mentioned several problems including dissatisfaction with water quality (salinity/iron/smell/dirt in the water), and management (MAR sites found locked for most of the day). MAR installation and management staff and technical supervisors and caretakers thought that water quality was hampered by irregular water infiltration. They reported that management and maintenance issues were their primary concern, which were impeded by limited funds, as users do not pay regularly.Conclusions Though there is a demand for drinking water from MAR systems, the concerns about management related to finance, in addition to the amount collected are the greatest threat to system functionality and sustainability, which requires community-based solutions that will provide regular oversight and maintenance.