Adapting to floods in Bangladesh with innovative toilets and clean water

In the flood-prone communities of Sunamganj, traditional bamboo toilets are frequently submerged or swept away during seasonal flooding, leaving families without safe sanitation and increasing the risk of disease.

To address this, a world-first pilot project is introducing innovative floating latrines designed to withstand rising waters. Built on durable drum barrels, these floating toilets rise with flood levels and remain accessible through a secure gangway connecting them to land. By providing safe, reliable sanitation during even the most severe floods, the initiative is helping communities protect their health and adapt to life in a changing environment.

In the community of Sunamganj, families once relied on river water for drinking, exposing them to unsafe conditions and frequent illness. In a region heavily impacted by the climate crisis and facing limited access to reliable resources, finding a sustainable clean water solution was critical.

Working with our local partner, Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA), this project introduced a solar-powered water supply system to provide safe, dependable water throughout the year. Powered by renewable energy, the system ensures a continuous flow of clean water for the community, improving health outcomes and strengthening resilience in the face of recurring floods and climate challenges.

To address ongoing challenges around access to safe water, we have worked closely with the community to develop a sustainable solution. This project began with a survey of 110 households and active engagement with the union council, women’s WASH groups, and local residents to understand local needs and priorities.

Together with the community, we designed and built a solar-powered water supply system that meets local needs. Water is pumped from underground using solar-powered motors, stored in overhead tanks, and distributed through 11 tap stands located across the village. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the system provides clean, reliable water year-round for around 500 people in Ghagotia, ensuring uninterrupted access even during periods of severe flooding.

Before 2025, families in Khalachanpur village relied on “hanging toilets” – raised bamboo platforms that discharged waste directly into the river, contaminating local waterways. To create a safer alternative, ten private toilets with secure walls, locks, and hygienic plumbing were built.

The next challenge was sewage disposal. In response, we worked with ERA and introduced an innovative underground plumbing network, linking all ten toilets to a large central septic tank designed to be emptied only once every few years. Developed with the community, this pilot system is now being trialled in Khalachanpur, with the aim of adapting it for other flood-affected villages. Regular community meetings and a dedicated village system manager help ensure its long-term sustainability.