Residents alleged that the crisis worsens frequently when the water pumps for the local reservoir goes out of order. The pipe lines in Maneswar 1st lane was installed some 50 years ago and the lines are all cracked and broken at places, said the locals of the area.

Locals complained that they did not have water for five days at a stretch from September 12 to September 17 when the pump broke down. The pump operator at Baddanagar denied that there was any problem and said the WASA had provided water within two days of the breakdown.

The local people informed that the pipelines were made of concrete and have developed numerous cracks. Now water from sewerage and surface drains and the tannery waste outlets is penetrating the supply water system. Therefore the residents are unable to 'trust' WASA's supply water for domestic use

"We have been complaining about this for ages to WASA, but there is no sign of any initiative," said Shukur Salek, a local and president of Dhakabashi, an organisation to protect the environment and rights of inhabitants of old Dhaka.

Besides, the water reservoir is totally unprotected. It does not have any boundary wall to protect it from children or outsiders.

"The reservoir also has holes and cracks in it, and no one knows when it was cleaned," said Malek. "The water we drink in our house is dirty and unhygienic," he added. The operator of the reservoir denied the allegations and claimed that they cleaned the tank every month. He said they had the water tested scientifically and it was found safe.