Dhaka:The government has dispatched samples of Dhaka WASA water to Sweden for further laboratory analysis after a recent study identified Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination exceeding permissible levels in one of the samples, as announced by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan in Parliament.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister revealed in a written response to MP Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan's query during a parliamentary session that a research team from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University had collected water samples from eight Dhaka WASA-operated ATM booths. Tests conducted in a European country confirmed PFAS contamination above the tolerable threshold in one of these samples.
Minister Moyeen Khan emphasized that Dhaka WASA had not been informed about the sample collection. The research findings have yet to be published, and the issue is being prioritized by the authorities. A meeting was held between Dhaka WASA and the research team to discuss the findings, leading to the formation of an 11-member committee comprising representatives from both parties to further investigate the matter.
Given the unavailability of such testing facilities in Bangladesh or neighboring countries, the committee was established on October 27 to evaluate the cost implications of retesting the samples. The minister stated that, based on the committee's recommendations, the water samples will be sent to a Swedish laboratory for retesting.
MP Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan queried whether the researchers had found cancer-causing contaminants in the Dhaka WASA water, citing a study that reportedly detected toxic PFAS, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues in samples from the ATM booths. PFAS are chemical substances known to persist in the environment and potentially contaminate drinking water, with exposure linked to adverse health effects, including an elevated cancer risk.
Dhaka WASA operates approximately 300 ATM water booths, as noted by the minister. In response to a separate question from MP Rokyea Begum, Minister Khan stated that Dhaka WASA provides about 314 crore liters of water daily, maintaining an adequate supply to meet consumer demand. The authorities conduct daily tests on 40 to 50 water samples to ensure the water's quality and safety for consumers.
Source United News of Bangladesh