Journal of the Bangladesh National Geographical Association ISSN: 1811-0266, Vol. 40 Nos. 1 & 2, 2012 (Printed in June 2017) Assessing the Physical Condition and Management System of Pond Sand Filter (PSF) of a Coastal Community of Bangladesh Md. Moniruzzaman * Md. Ashiqur Rahman ** Md. Shahadat Hossain *** Abstract: Pond Sand Filter (PSF), a simple technology has been widely used in the coastal area of Bangladesh over the years. This study examines the physical condition and management system of pond sand filter in a coastal community. Physical conditions of the PSFs such as filtering materials (sand, brick chips), chamber cover, outer wall, height of supply tap from platform etc were investigated. The associated pond area, depth, availability and use of pond water, maintenance and management system of PSF etc have also been studied. This study found that a considerable number of PSFs were not functioning round the year. Though water of PSF is quietly accessible and affordable in the study area, but existing poor management system of this community water source could not perform suitably. This study suggests, improving the existing physical condition of PSF and its management system, this surface water based technology can be a sustainable option of drinking water supply in the coastal area of Bangladesh. Keywords: Pond Sand Filter (PSF), Physical Condition, Management System, Suitable Option Introduction Many communities, particularly in developing countries, frequently experience serious public-health problems associated with drinking-water, including the issues of unsafe quality and quantity of water. Community and participation have become popular in development discourse and practice, particularly in the coastal area of Bangladesh. Greater involvement of people in decision making, implementation and evaluation of water management practices are expected to increase efficiency and equity in water supply. Pond Sand Filter (PSF) is one of the appropriate examples in community participation of water supply system. PSF, a special small scale filtering device has been used mainly in the coastal parts of Bangladesh to treat the water from rain-fed ponds. It is a manually operated treatment unit, based on the principle of slow sand filtration. Water is pumped up from the pond by * Associate Professor, Dept. of Geography and Environment, Jagannath University, Dhaka-1100, E-mail: mdmoniruzzaman_bd@yahoo.com ** MSc Thesis Student, Dept. of Geography and Environment, Jagannath University, Dhaka- 1100, E-mail: tamaljnu20@gmail.com *** MSc Thesis Student, Dept. of Geography and Environment, Jagannath University, Dhaka- 1100, E-mail: princegeo198@gmail.com