Access to clean water, a fundamental human necessity, has become a daily ordeal for thousands of residents in Narayanganj city, as the quality of water supplied through Wasa pipelines continues to deteriorate.

Despite having piped connections in most households, residents across the city report receiving foul-smelling, discoloured, and visibly contaminated water. 

This has sparked serious concerns over public health, as increasing numbers of people report illnesses believed to be linked to the polluted supply.

Many residents complain of gastrointestinal issues, skin irritations and other health complications, which they attribute directly to using the tainted water. 

What was once considered a basic right now feels like a distant luxury, they say.

According to several residents, the water is not only undrinkable but is also unfit for bathing or other household use.

“The stench is so strong, it lingers even after a shower,” said Munira, a resident of the city. 

“Washing your face with it causes itching and irritation," he said. 

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During visits to various neighbourhoods, a UNB correspondent observed that while the water may appear clear when poured into white containers, it often carries a greyish or blackish tint, with visible dirt particles floating in it.

Even after filtration, Wasa water remains unusable for many, forcing households to collect cooking water from distant deep tube wells. 

In several localities, long queues were seen around private water pumps, where residents wait for hours in the hope of filling a few containers with clean water.

Local people say this crisis has triggered a sharp increase in household expenses. 

Families are now spending between Tk 800 and Tk 1,200 each month to purchase bottled water for drinking.

Tenants report being charged for water in addition to their rent, despite the appalling service.

“We can’t use Wasa water at all,” said Nasima Kajol Akter, a homemaker from Golachipa.

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 “We bring water from other areas for cooking and buy bottles for drinking. Our costs have gone up, and yet we’re still paying bills for unusable water. It’s simply unfair,” she said. 

Echoing this frustration, house owner Bashir Miah said, “Wasa water is unusable, but the bills keep coming. Now we hear the tariff has gone up—without any explanation or improvement in service. This is nothing short of deceiving consumers.”

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While the Narayanganj City Corporation claims steps have been taken to tackle the issue, residents say they have yet to see meaningful improvements.

When contacted, Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of the Narayanganj City Corporation, said, “Water issues do not occur citywide at once. They emerge in specific areas, and we respond promptly when problems are reported. We’re working closely with our water department to ensure that residents face minimal inconvenience. A solution is on the way for Narayanganj.”

For now, however, clean and odourless water remains a distant hope for the people of this industrial city.