Technological solutions for harnessing the urban water potential in the Bengal Delta–a scenario planning approach

Abstract

Given the future uncertainties regarding the availability of irrigation water in the Bengal Delta, planned water reuse in agriculture is a viable alternative. Using scenario planning, this paper depicted technological solutions to ensure the safe reuse of urban water in agriculture. A systematic literature review and expert interviews were conducted to identify the factors for appropriate technology selection. Results indicated that local conditions, resource recovery, energy consumption, initial investment and land availability are the notable factors for technology selection. Taking economic growth and demand for irrigation water, centralized (activated sludge) and decentralized technological (pond-based) solutions are envisioned to facilitate reuse.