Adaptation strategies for safe drinking water supply in the low lying coastal regions in Bangladesh

This paper examines the current problematic situation and existing management system for safe water supply in the low lying coastal region of Bangladesh. Based on field survey and community consultations through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), this study identifies a range of factors that influence the shortage of safe water supply in the coastal region in Bangladesh. These include: salinity intrusion (fromboth human and natural causes), the local hydro-geological condition, poor implementation of water supply management, reduction of upstream sourced flow of water, and lack of adequate policy and research initiatives for technological innovation and implementation. This study suggests possible adaptation strategies that can help improve the safe water supply in the coastal region in Bangladesh.