Water and Energy International

Following the 2017 influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) into Bangladesh, over 940,000 individuals have settled in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, severely straining the region’s natural resources, particularly water. In response to groundwater scarcity and sanitation challenges in Camp 22, a Surface Water Treatment (SWAT) plant was established by OXFAM with UNICEF’s support and later handed over to DSK for operation and maintenance. This qualitative study explores the process, risks, and operational experiences of DSK in managing the SWAT system, which supplies clean water to over 23,000 refugees and host community members. Data were collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings highlight that early community engagement, coordinated planning with local stakeholders, and employment opportunities for host communities helped mitigate conflict over shared water resources. However, ongoing challenges include seasonal water scarcity, environmental degradation, threats from wildlife, and social tensions stemming from prolonged refugee presence. Despite these challenges, the SWAT system has proven vital in ensuring safe water access, improving public health, and fostering social cohesion. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable water resource management, inclusive community participation and contingency planning to address emerging risks and secure long-term resilience in humanitarian settings.