The technology, a first in Bangladesh, will be installed in phases
A floating intake system draws water from just below the river’s surface, allowing water extraction even as water levels fluctuate. Photo: Courtesy
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A floating intake system draws water from just below the river’s surface, allowing water extraction even as water levels fluctuate. Photo: Courtesy
Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) plans to install floating intakes at its water treatment plants to maintain normal water supply in the port city during the dry season.
Every year, from January to March or April, reduced water flow in the Karnaphuli River and increased salinity in the Halda River reduce Wasa’s daily supply of drinking water by 80 to 100 million litres.
The authority has taken the initiative to introduce the new technology to address the situation.
Chattogram Wasa Managing Director Engineer Selim Md Jane Alam said although floating intake technology is used in various countries, Chattogram Wasa is taking the initiative to introduce it for the first time in Bangladesh.
“The plan will be implemented in phases,” he said.
He explained that floating intakes automatically adjust their position as water levels rise or fall, allowing pumps to remain afloat and continue drawing water regardless of changes in river water levels.
This reduces the risk of pumps being submerged or running dry. The system also eliminates the need to reposition pumps or adjust pipe lengths as water depth changes.
As water is drawn from just below the surface rather than from the riverbed, the technology reduces the risk of mud, sand and sediment entering the pumps. This is expected to reduce wear on pump components, particularly impellers, and lower maintenance costs, Wasa said.
According to a press release issued by Chattogram Wasa, its water production during the dry season depends on the water storage capacity of Kaptai Lake and the flow of the Karnaphuli River.
When water flow in the Karnaphuli declines, production at Wasa’s two largest water treatment plants, Karnaphuli-1 and Karnaphuli-2 in Rangunia, decreases.
Reduced river flow also allows saline seawater to enter the Halda River, forcing Wasa to cut production at its Mohra and Madunaghat water treatment plants along the river.
Production at the Bhandal Jhuri water treatment plant in Boalkhali is also reduced for the same reason.
To address these challenges and maintain normal water production and supply during the dry season, Chattogram Wasa plans to install floating intakes at its water treatment plants in phases.
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