DHAKA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pollution poses a serious threat to water quality of Meghna, one of the three major rivers in Bangladesh, according to a new Asian Development Bank report.

The report, published by the Manila-based lender on Wednesday, explored the potential of the Meghna River as an alternative water source for Dhaka.

It also described the fragile state of Dhaka's current drinking water supply due to increasing demand and surface contamination.

The report assessed the threats facing the Meghna River and identified protection measures needed to ensure that it could provide a sustainable and safe supply of drinking water.

According to the report, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) provides water across a service area of about 400 square km in Dhaka and its surroundings.

Groundwater accounts for 87 percent of the drinking water it provides, it said with the rest coming from surface water sources.

Fortunately, it said a viable solution exists in the Meghna River, which is located 30 km east of Dhaka.

In the coming years, according to the report, this source is expected to provide more than 40 percent of the drinking water for Dhaka's 20 million residents.

"The quality of Meghna River water is still reasonably good, but scenarios suggest it could become too polluted for drinking within the next 5 years," it said.

The report made recommendations that include designating ecological critical areas, promoting cleaner industrial production, monitoring pollution, controlling wastewater discharges and pesticide use, and empowering local stewardship of the river.

To avoid pollution and maintain good water quality supply in the Meghna River, it also suggests for strong monitoring and enforcement by the government. Enditem

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