For the second time this year, authorities in Rawalpindi have declared a water emergency as the city faces an escalating drought crisis that has severely diminished its water reserves. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has warned that Khanpur Dam holds only enough water to last one month, while Rawal Dam could sustain supplies for approximately three months if current consumption patterns continue.
WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf revealed that Rawalpindi’s daily water demand now exceeds 50 million gallons, yet the available supply lags at just 30 million gallons, leaving a daily shortfall of 20 million gallons. The ongoing lack of rainfall has led to increased reliance on tube wells and alternative water sources to meet the population’s needs.
Also Read: Rawalpindi Authorities Announce Water Emergency Due to Intensifying Drought
Officials have pointed to rapid population growth and heightened commercial activity as key contributors to the accelerated depletion of water resources. In response, WASA has announced the possibility of legal action against unnecessary water usage and strongly urged both Rawalpindi and Islamabad residents to adopt immediate conservation measures.
Water experts are advising practical steps such as fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, reusing water for gardening, and running appliances only with full loads. With meteorologists reporting consistently below-average rainfall and little relief in sight, the region faces growing pressure to conserve every drop.
