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Residents in Dhaka have expressed frustration after the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) once again increased the price of water from its prepaid Water ATM booths, heightening concerns about the affordability of safe drinking water amid mounting economic pressures.
Under the latest revision, the price has been set at Tk 1.0 per litre, inclusive of VAT, effective today (Sunday). The rate was previously raised to 80 paisa per litre from 40 paisa, meaning the price has increased approximately 2.5 times over the past two years and four months.
Low-income residents say the latest hike is difficult to absorb.
Amena Begum, a street cake vendor in Merul Badda, said the increase has made it harder for families like hers to continue purchasing safe water.
"Most of my customers are from low-income groups. We try to ensure safe drinking water for them, but it's getting harder," she said.
Mofiz Uddin, a rickshaw puller from Malibag, said recurring water price hikes have become an added burden.
"After every change in government, prices of essentials go up," he alleged.
He said his six-member family has already reduced daily water consumption to 10 litres from 16-17 litres to cope with the higher cost.
"It's a basic necessity, but now we have to think twice before buying," he added.
In a notification issued on Saturday, WASA said the new rate was set in response to global price pressures and rising operational and input costs.
Officials argued that higher expenses for electricity, chemicals and maintenance made the adjustment unavoidable in order to ensure uninterrupted supply and maintain service quality.
The revised tariff will apply to all prepaid Water ATM booths across the capital.
Since 2017, WASA has been supplying treated drinking water through Water ATM booths in partnership with US-based social enterprise Drinkwell at subsidised rates.
According to company data, Drinkwell operates more than 350 Water ATM booths serving over 400,000 registered users in Dhaka and other areas. Customers access water using RFID cards.
The company plans to expand to 500 booths in Dhaka and extend operations to Chattogram, Rajshahi and Khulna, with a target of enrolling an additional 100,000 customers through expanded RFID card distribution.
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