A Case Study of Groundwater Depletion in Dhaka City: Trends, Causes, and Mitigation Strategies

This thesis presents an in-depth case study on groundwater depletion in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Using secondary data from DWASA, BWDB, WARPO, and peer-reviewed literature, the study evaluates spatial and temporal groundwater trends, extraction rates, and infrastructure changes from 2010–2023. The analysis reveals a consistent annual decline in water tables, reaching up to 3–4 meters in some zones, accompanied by increased deep tube well depths, and rising installation costs. Findings indicate that over-extraction, unregulated groundwater abstraction, reduced rainfall, and insufficient recharge are key drivers of the crisis. The thesis proposes integrated mitigation strategies, including large-scale surface water use, artificial recharge projects, policy enforcement, and community engagement in water conservation. These insights aim to support policymakers, water managers, and researchers in developing sustainable solutions for Dhaka’s long-term water security.