Water consumption in greater Dhaka, home to some 18 million people, is lowering the local water table by more than three metres per year in some areas. “In highly populated deltas and river basins worldwide, water resources are stressed and surface pollution is widespread,” said the study. “Little attention has been given to the potentially catastrophic impacts these hydrological alterations can have on the water resources” of rural and semi-rural areas where water treatment may not be possible, said the study. Over the last half century, the water table under the capital has declined by about 60 metres. The availability and status of surface water supply will be aggravated by climate change and rapid population growth, the researchers note.

Source: Manila Times September 28, 2016 03:33 UTC