77 Groundwater and Sustainability: Integrating Science, Technology, and Policy

Groundwater is vital for clean water and food security but faces threats from climate change, population growth, and mismanagement. Integrating science, technology, and policy fosters collaboration, innovation, and effective strategies to ensure its sustainable use for future generations.

Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 210AB

Toward Sustainable Groundwater Solutions in Coastal Bangladesh: A Science-Policy-Community Integration for Water Security in Paikgacha

Paper number: 77-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 10:05 AM – 10:20 AM

Authors

Abstract

In Bangladesh’s climate-vulnerable coastal belt, ensuring sustainable access to safe water is both a hydrogeological and public health imperative. This study presents preliminary findings from an ongoing hydrogeological feasibility assessment in Paikgacha Upazila, a region challenged by groundwater salinity, iron, and arsenic contamination. This study integrates scientific assessment, stakeholder engagement, and policy alignment to identify viable and climate-resilient water sources.

The assessment involves a comprehensive review of secondary data, community engagement, field surveys, test drilling, and GIS-based spatial analysis. Number of boreholes were surveyed and georeferenced to assess their functionality and inform groundwater mapping. Preliminary water quality testing reveals that shallow aquifers are widely affected by salinity and iron, while arsenic contamination persists in specific zones and raising concerns over the long-term reliability of these sources for safe consumption.

Community knowledge played a vital role in guiding field investigations, with local drillers identifying priority areas for test boreholes based on historical yield and safety. Initial test drilling in Godaipur Union indicates that deeper aquifers may offer improved water quality, though further sampling is required to confirm their viability. Integration of recent baseline data enabled the generation of spatial distribution maps for arsenic and salinity risk, supporting decision-making for future infrastructure development.

Key challenges encountered include incomplete GPS metadata in public borehole records, and limited local water testing facilities. Despite these hurdles, the study has laid a foundation for the development of detailed hydrogeological maps, identification of promising water zones, and the planning of long-term monitoring systems.

This study exemplifies how science, technology, and community collaboration can support sustainable groundwater management in complex geographies. The outcomes will contribute to designing a piped water supply system that is safe, sustainable, and resilient to climate change. As well as, advancing the water security and public health for over 100,000 people in Paikgacha municipality and selected unions. Future work will focus on deeper drilling, expanded water quality monitoring, and integrating surface water mapping using satellite and drone technology. The intended key findings from this study is expected to contribute to the development of groundwater sustainability framework for coastal Bangladesh.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414928

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