The Local Government, Elections and Rural Development Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to install water flow meters in major cities under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project, aiming to promote water conservation and improve monitoring of urban water use. Officials said the initiative is part of broader reforms to address rising water shortages and inefficient distribution systems across the province.
According to the department, water flow meters will be installed in key areas of Peshawar, Kohat, Abbottabad, and Mingora. These meters will help authorities accurately measure water usage, detect losses, and discourage excessive consumption. The move is expected to strengthen oversight of water supply systems and support better planning for future demand in rapidly growing urban centers.
Alongside flow meters, the government is also installing SCADA systems on tube wells in the four cities. Officials explained that SCADA technology will allow real-time monitoring of water extraction, pump performance, and energy consumption. This digital control system is expected to reduce unnecessary groundwater extraction and help cut operational and electricity costs for water utilities.
Another major component of the project involves replacing old, rusted, and leaking water pipelines. Authorities said aging infrastructure has been a major cause of water losses, contamination, and low pressure in many neighborhoods. Large-scale pipeline replacement is already planned to improve water quality and ensure more reliable supply, especially during peak summer months when shortages worsen.
Officials warned that groundwater levels in all four cities are under severe stress due to population growth, urban expansion, and climate-related impacts. Data collected by Water and Sanitation Services Companies shows a consistent decline in aquifer levels. Authorities cautioned that if current trends continue, groundwater could fall below natural recharge capacity, creating long-term water security risks.
Water demand has already exceeded supply in several urban areas, forcing residents to rely on private borewells and expensive water tankers. Excessive pumping has also caused multiple tube wells to dry up, further straining municipal water systems. Officials said the new measures are designed to reduce non-revenue water, control wastage, and protect remaining groundwater resources.
The department stressed that public cooperation will be essential for the success of the project. Officials said water conservation, responsible usage, and improved monitoring must go hand in hand to avoid a deeper water crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cities.
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