Rawalpindi Faces Severe Water Crisis, Residents Urged to Conserve Water
Residents of Rawalpindi are being urged to take immediate action to conserve water, as the city grapples with a worsening supply crisis. Authorities have declared a water emergency for the second time this year, with dam levels dropping and demand far exceeding available resources.
Water Shortage in Rawalpindi
According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Khanpur Dam currently holds enough water for just one more month, while Rawal Dam could meet the city’s needs for up to three months if the current conditions persist.
Read More: Islamabad Braces for Intense Water Shortage
WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf explained that daily demand has surged to over 50 million gallons, while supply is limited to just 30 million gallons. The underground water table has also dropped to 650 feet, with no signs of recovery due to below-average rainfall.
Contributing Factors and Urgent Measures
Officials attribute the worsening crisis to lack of rainfall, which is putting further strain on water resources. As a result, authorities have been forced to rely heavily on tube wells and alternative sources. Furthermore, commercial activity and rapid population growth are depleting water faster than it can be replenished.
WASA has issued a warning that legal action will be taken against those using water unnecessarily and is urging the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to cooperate by conserving water. The agency also stressed that if the dry weather continues, the region could face an even more severe water shortage.
