A Path to Safe Water in a Changing Climate

Thirty-three years ago, a devastating cyclone forced Ruma’s family to flee their home on the Kutubdia Upazila, a coastal island located approximately 85 kilometres away from Cox's Bazar city, leaving everything behind to start over in Cox’s Bazar.

But life in their new community brought new challenges. Safe water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and other essential needs was hard to find, putting Ruma’s family at risk of disease.

“I developed skin rashes and other health problems from the salty and contaminated water,” says Ruma. “We had no choice but to buy bottled water. It was expensive, but it was the only safe option.”

For decades, families in Cox’s Bazar have faced a severe water crisis. Local water sources are contaminated with high levels of salinity and iron, worsened by rising seawater, leaking toilet pits, and increasingly frequent droughts and storms driven by climate change. As a result, families have been forced to rely on unsafe or costly alternatives.

A New Source of Sustainable Water

To solve this, UNICEF partnered with the government, local NGOs, and the private sector to build a climate-resilient desalination water treatment plant in Cox’s Bazar. The plant produces 4,000 litres of clean drinking water per hour and runs 6-8 hours every day to meet the needs of the community.

Residents can now collect safe drinking water at just 0.20 BDT per litre – significantly lowering household costs while reducing their risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.

The facility includes 12 solar-powered water ATMs – vending machines placed across the community that are directly connected to the plant. Families use prepaid cards to collect water quickly and conveniently from nearby ATMs. Nearly 16,000 people from over 3,100 families now rely on the system for safe and affordable water.

“Before this plant, we had to rely on unsafe shallow tube wells, and bottled water was too expensive for most families,” says Ruma. “With the water ATMs nearby, collecting safe drinking water is easy, safe, and affordable.”

Women Leading the Way

Ruma is not just a beneficiary of the water treatment plant. She has also become a critical part of its success.

UNICEF built the water treatment plant on her land and she in return accepted responsibility for maintaining the facility. Every morning, she starts the machines at the plant, checks the water quality, ensures the water ATMs are filled, and helps families top up their ATM cards. Her dedication not only keeps the plant running but also earns her a commission from selling new cards, providing her with the means to support her family.

“Being part of this project has given me purpose and hope,” Ruma says. “I’m proud to serve my community and happy that I can earn a steady income, which is growing as more people sign up.”

Transforming Entire Communities

Besides providing access to safe water, the water treatment plant is transforming the daily lives of residents. Before, families – especially women and children – had to travel long distances to collect water. With easier water access, women and girls like 10-year-old Jannatul have more time for education, cooking, cleaning, and other household tasks.

“I used to walk far to get water for our family,” says Jannatul. “Now, the ATM is near our home, and I don’t have to go far and rush to school anymore.”

Access to clean water has also brought significant health and economic benefits to the community. Waterborne diseases, once a common threat, have noticeably decreased. Over 700 local businesses have subscribed to the service and now use the ATMs for safe and affordable water.

A Model for Community Resilience

The climate-resilient water treatment plant is not only addressing the immediate water crisis, but also helping the community adapt to the long-term challenges posed by climate change, from rising salinity and frequent natural disasters.

“This plant has given us more than just water – it has given us security and hope,” says Ruma. “We don’t have to worry about the next flood or dry season because we know we have a reliable source of clean water.”

The community has taken pride in this project and formed a local committee to actively maintain the plant and ensure that it runs efficiently. By involving the community in the plant’s operation and management, UNICEF and its partners have empowered residents to take ownership of its future. Ruma sees this success as only the beginning.

“I want to make sure everyone has access to safe water, especially during times of crisis,” stresses Ruma. “With more water ATMs, we can protect more people from unsafe water.”

As she continues to manage the facility and expand her entrepreneurial work, Ruma believes that her community’s future is brighter than ever. Access to safe and affordable water has transformed their lives, improved health, and empowered individuals like her to take control of their future.