Assessing Water Security in Dhaka City Slums

Water security is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, yet water insecurity remains a critical challenge in urban slums. This study assesses the water security in the slums of Dhaka City, Bangladesh by integrating multiple dimensions of water security, such as water supply, sanitation and hygiene, water environment, water and climatic risks, and water governance. Suitable indicators and variables are used to capture the key dimensions of water security. A mixed-method approach, incorporating quantitative water quality assessment, waterlogging assessment and household survey, and qualitative focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews, is followed for data collection. The results reveal that the water security index (WSI), on a scale of 5.00, varies from 1.72 for Rajur slum to 3.34 for Nabinagar Housing slum. Among the dimensions, the score varies from 1.86 for water environment to 3.05 for water supply. Thus, there is a wide variation in WSI from slum to slum and in score from dimension to dimension. The study suggests improving drainage, sewerage and household solid waste collection systems, cleaning water bodies, improving drinking water quality, and raising awareness on menstrual hygiene management for enhancing water security in Dhaka’s slums.