Water Supply, Sanitation and Urban Water Management (WSU)

We provide smart solutions for Water Supply, Sanitation, Urban Water Management and other cross-cutting issues

About WSU Division

Water Supply, Sanitation and Urban Water Management Division

Services of Water Supply, Sanitation and Urban Water Management (WSU)

The main services of this Division are:

1. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

IWM has achieved a leading position within the field of integrated management of land and water resources, and provides comprehensive expertise together with a range of decision support tools to understand and simulate a variety of hydrological aspects ranging from broad-scale river basin issues to detailed hydrological and hydrodynamic investigations. Projects often require integration of various aspects, such as conjunctive use of ground water and surface water, water quantity and quality, water uses, industrial water management and integration of the natural systems into human (political and institutional) systems. In the recent years IWM has contributed to development of scenarios, visions and actions within the so-called Vision and Framework for Action process through participation in Global Water Partnership and regional collaborations. This approach consists of a comprehensive set of analysis steps, supported by mathematical tools for the analysis of natural resource systems in a socio-economic context. Using this approach IWM supports water, river and floodplain managers worldwide in structuring complex decision-making processes and provide technical know-how for effective evaluation of planning alternatives. Information management systems, decision support systems and simulation models are important tools in this respect. Services would include:

Water resources assessment and management
Master planning and policy development
Water supply and demand assessment
River Basin management
Environmental impact analysis

2. Water Supply

IWM has extensive experience in water supply sector in all stages of project activities covers a huge geographical extent in Bangladesh and Abroad.

Our Expertise

Extends of water supply include Water Resource Engineering (Groundwater exploration, assessment, and sustainable development; surface water resource mapping, analysis, and development; Dam and reservoir planning, design, and construction management); Water Treatment Engineering (Optimization of treatment processes, treatment plant design, construction supervision, and commissioning); Water Distribution Engineering (Pipeline network layout, design, and flow optimization; Hydraulic modeling, calibration, and performance analysis; Pump station configuration, design, and operational management; Water loss control, leak detection, and non-revenue water reduction; Metering systems setup, data collection, and billing integration, SCADA and smart water management); Environmental Engineering and Safeguards (Environmental impact study, assessment, and reporting (EIAs); Water quality tracking and risk assessment).

Coverage in different stages of the project like Planning Stage (Strategy Development, Master Planning, Feasibility Studies, Financial Planning and Institutional Strengthening); Design Stage (Hydraulic Modeling, Detailed Design, Design Review, Technical Specifications, BoQ and Bid Documents Preparation; Construction Supervision Stage (Supervision and Quality Control, Project Management including schedule, resource, quality and risk management); Monitoring, Evaluation, and Completion Stage (Commissioning and Handover, Performance Monitoring, Operational Models and Evaluation including Key Performance Indicators, As-Built Drawings and Asset Management, Capacity Building and Training).

Geographical coverage of water supply in City water areas like Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet etc., urban, semi-urban (municipality), rural water supply, development housing, low-income communities, Rohingya refugee camps and nearby host communities, water supply in costal hotspot and hill-tract areas, flashflood zones and cross-cutting areas in almost all districts in Bangladesh.

IWM continuously organizes a variety of training and capacity-building programs focused on water supply, along with internships that provide practical experience. Additionally, IWM conducts academic lectures at renowned universities and contributes to water operator programs both domestically and internationally.

3. Sanitation

WSU Division has worked in many sanitation related projects...

4. Stormwater Management

WSU Division has worked in many stromwater management related projects...

5. Master Planning

WSU Division has worked in many master planning related projects...

6. Water Quality Management

WSU Division has worked in many water quality management related projects...

7. Environmental and Social Assessments

ESIA, ESMF...

8. Hydrogeological Investigation

Hydrogeological Investigation

9. Project Implementation Support

Project implementation involves directly managing a project to ensure it meets the objectives outlined in the planning phase. IWM is providing project implementation support to its clients. Project implementation support involves the activities like contract management as the representative of the employer/client, design optimization, construction supervision, timely completion of projects and ensure other aspects of project management to achieve the optimum techno-economic benefit of the projects to the clients.

IWM has provided project implementation support in the field of water supply, sewerage, urban drainage and other urban water related projects to DWASA, CWASA, RWASA, KWASA, BEZA, DPHE, City Corporations. Different project management tools have been used along with the modelling, design and decision support tools in which IWM has gained vast accolades. IWM’s active roles as the Employer’s representative (as the Consultant/ the Engineer) in implementation of the following projects are worth mentioning:

Dhaka Water Supply Sector Development Project (DWSSDP)
Chattogram Water Supply Improvement and Sanitation Project (CWSISP)
Construction of Internal Roads, Surface Drains and Footpath for Zone 01 to 05 of Gazipur City Corporation
Khulna Sewerage System Development Project
Construction of 50 MLD WTP in BSMSN, Mirsarai, Chattogram

Construction of 50 MLD WTP in BSMSN, Mirsarai, Chattogram project has four components (i) 105 MLD Intake at the Muhuri Reservoir, (ii) 10 Km Raw Water Transmission Main, (iii) 50 MLD WTP along with ancillary structures and (iv) around 40 Km Treated water transmission and distribution network for the priority zones of BSMSN. This project is being implemented by BEZA following FIDIC Contract management process and IWM is working as “the Engineer” in this project. See the picture showing the future impression of the project area.

10. Cross-cutting Issues

Cross-cutting Issues

Milestone Projects of Water Supply, Sanitation and Urban Water Management (WSU)

Our Milestone Projects

1. ADB Loan No. 2382: Design and Management Consultancy for (DMC) of Dhaka Water Supply Sector Development Project (DWSSDP)

Main project features:

Population Served: Design population is 5,438,762 (or approx. 5.43 million)
DMA / Water supply scheme: design and supervision of 47 nos. DMAs

Water network: Installation of 2,436km of HPDE pipes, 106,662 nos. house connections

Demarcation of 87 DMAs covering 12.3 million residents in Dhaka city MODS Zones
106,662 house connections with legalization of illegal connections and ensure 24/7 water supply

Scope of services:
   Conducted topographic and socio-economic surveys and updated demographic projections
   Performed a feasibility study for the Gandharbapur Water Treatment Plant (500 MLD)
   Piloted a project to determine non-revenue water in the existing Dhaka WASA system
   Prepared hydraulic modeling, BoQ, and bid documents for design and implementation

   Design Phase:
   Reviewed and approved documents for topographic, socio-economic, and production tubewell surveys
   Reviewed and approved hydraulic models, cost variations, and design documents
   Reviewed and approved the Environmental and Social Safeguard Study

Supervised construction of water supply systems, covering installation of pipes, house connections, and production tubewells, chambers.
Supervised installation of 7,800 gate valves, approx. 150 surface water inlet chambers, and over 106,662 house connections

Conducted performance tests, commissioning, preparation of as-built documents, and post-construction model for future operations
Handed over completion reports and certificates to the client

Project management and performance evaluation

Administration and management support of PMU to successfully implement and performance evaluation of the project and contribute to achieve the project objective.

Support Dhaka WASA in design and procurement process for project packages and upcoming projects.

Capacity building of Dhaka WASA employees for water network modelling, GIS, DMA management etc.

2. Water Supply, Drainage & Sanitation in 148 Pourashava

Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation in 148 pourashavas

Client: Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE)

3. Water Network Review in the Rohingya Refugee Camps, Cox's Bazar (Client: UNICEF)

This project focuses on reviewing the 298 nos. water networks across 33 Rohingya camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, assessing its functionality, water quality, and identifying current challenges and successes. Key tasks include reviewing existing water supply scheme documents, preparing data collection tools, and training enumerators. The assessment will measure various aspects such as pump volume, energy supply, tank volume, and water quality parameters like chlorine levels. The collected data will be analyzed and presented through fact sheets, graphs, tables, and maps, followed by a validation workshop and the preparation of a final report with recommendations. The project aims to ensure that the water network meets the needs of the refugee population effectively, providing insights into necessary improvements. Ultimately, the findings will guide future priorities and actions for the remainder of the year, ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the water supply system.

4. Assessment of State of Water Resources, WARPO

Assessment of State of Water Resources for WARPO across all upazilas of Bangladesh.

5. Feasibility Study of Integrated Water Resources Management of Chalan Beel Area

Understanding of the level of water quality parameters is essential for the conservation of environment including drinking, irrigation, fisheries and recreation. During recent days IWM has acquired sufficient skill in monitoring the following water quality parameter for different studies.

Salinity
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Ammonia (NH3), Nitrate (NO3)
Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr)
Mercury (Hg)
Phosphate (PO4)
Coliforms
Turbidity

6. Sewerage Master Plan of Dhaka City

Sewerage Master Plan of Dhaka City

7. DWASA: Dhaka Water Supply Master Plan Study

Water Supply Master Plan Study

8. Establishment of Groundwater Monitoring System in Dhaka City for Aquifer Systems and DWASA production wells.

Eshatablishment of GW Monitoring System in Dhaka City

9. Master Plan on Meghna River Pollution Control, Navigability Increase and Ensuring Riverbank Stability

Meghna River Master Plan for Pollution Control

10. Dhaka Environmental Pollution Study

Dhaka Pollution Control Study

11. Planning and Design of Community Piped Water Supply Systems for Rohingya Camps and Host Communities (Client: UNICEF)

This study addresses the pressing water supply needs of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, and nearby host communities. Since 2017, over a million FDMNs have faced severe challenges due to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. The existing borehole and handpump systems struggle with uneven distribution and water quality issues, creating significant public health concerns. Collaborative efforts by UNICEF, OXFAM, and UNHCR have resulted in initiatives like the Water Master Plan and community-managed networks, but gaps in safe drinking water access remain. This project aims to enhance water supply infrastructure while fostering social cohesion between camp residents and host communities.

The study involves comprehensive planning, evaluation, and design of piped water systems based on extensive field surveys, topographic studies, hydrogeological investigations, and stakeholder consultations. Key outputs include 39.114 km of HDPE pipes, 327 tap stands, and 199 household connections, supported by solar-powered systems for sustainable energy. Designed for a daily water demand of 1276.26 cubic meters, the infrastructure includes 37 water tanks and 3 overhead tanks. Groundwater serves as the primary source, with hydrogeological data guiding the optimal location and design of water networks.

Aligned with SDG 6.1.1, this project prioritizes equitable access to clean water while addressing population growth and water demand projections. By finalizing the chlorinated piped water supply for the Roithkong site, the study emphasizes ensuring a sustainable solution for the host community, which is critical to meeting the project’s objectives and fostering long-term social and environmental benefits.