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Objectives To measure the salinity levels of common water sources in coastal Bangladesh and explore perceptions of water palatability among the local population to investigate the plausibility of linking cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh with ingestion of saline-rich cholera-infected river water. Methods Hundred participants took part in a taste-testing experiment of water with varying levels of salinity. Salinity measurements were taken of both drinking and non-drinking water sources. Informal group discussions were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of water sources and water uses. Results Salinity levels of non-drinking water sources suggest that the conditions for Vibrio cholerae survival exist 7-8 days within the local aquatic environment. However, 96% of participants in the taste-testing experiment reported that they would never drink water with salinity levels that would be conducive to V. cholerae survival. Furthermore, salinity levels of participant's drinking water sources were all well below the levels required for optimal survival of V. cholerae. Respondents explained that they preferred less salty and more aesthetically pleasing drinking water. Conclusion Theoretically, V. cholerae can survive in the river systems in Bangladesh; however, water sources which have been contaminated with river water are avoided as potential drinking water sources. Furthermore, there are no physical connecting points between the river system and drinking water sources among the study population, indicating that the primary driver for cholera cases in Bangladesh is likely not through the contamination of saline-rich river water into drinking water sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inability of public water facilities to function effectively in Dhaka City has made it impossible for most of the city dwellers to have access to safe water supply. The concept of rainwater harvesting is an economical small-scale technology, which has the potential to boost safe water supply with least disturbance to the environment. Dhaka being a mega city, only limited city dwellers has reasonable access to reliable water supply. This study explores to assess the potential for harvesting of rainwater as an alternative option in Dhaka City, which shows that rainwater can provide significant amount of supply against its demand. There is, therefore, sufficient rainwater to supplement the need of the city dwellers if the arrangement for rainwater harvesting activities could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]