A rainwater harvesting system (RHS) officially began operating at the Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) in Dhaka, in February. The RHS is an initiative of WaterAid Bangladesh and the Department of Environmental Science at IUB. It aims to save ground water and energy in a city facing an enormous challenge meeting the basic water needs of its ever-increasing population of over 13 million.

Given its large student body, IUB plans on using the newly installed rainwater harvesting system to supply its main campus with water for washing and toilet flushing. The system will also help alleviate water stagnancy-related floods on campus during heavy rain seasons.[4] WaterAid Bangladesh and IUB hope to disseminate the knowledge of RHS technology among its faculty and students, as well as to inspire other educational institutions to follow the example set by the joint project of two renowned institutions.

Rainwater can be the cleanest naturally occurring water in areas such as Bangladesh, where groundwater can be scarce or contaminated. Over the years rainwater harvesting systems have been identifies as a potential sustainable water source for the 19th most populous city in the world. It is estimated that if implemented properly and with an annual 2,200 mm average rainfall, RHSs could supply more than 15% of Dhaka’s water needs. Therefore the economic and health benefits of this alternative water supply source could be great–reducing thirst, improving health by lowering diarrhea outbreaks, replenishing levels of groundwater and reducing the energy consumption associated with groundwater extraction.

WaterAid started its work in Bangladesh in 1986. Over the years it has successfully collaborated with over 20 organizations in Bangladesh to assuage the sufferings from scarce water supply and low sanitation standards in poverty-plagued villages and cities.