Pakistan Loses 35 Million Acre-Feet of Rainwater Annually Due to Lack of Storage
Pakistan wastes nearly 35 million acre-feet of rainwater every year due to flooding and the absence of proper storage systems, experts warn. This lost water is equal to the total capacity of the country’s major reservoirs and could be preserved with better infrastructure.
Read More: Sindh Grapples with Severe Water Crisis as Major Dams Hit Dead Levels
Key Factors Behind Water Loss
- Climate Change Intensifying Rainfall
- Pakistan receives 300 to 1,000 mm of rainfall annually.
- In 2023, rainfall was 16% higher than normal.
- In August 2024, the country recorded 142% above-normal rainfall.
- Rainwater Goes to Waste
- Instead of being collected and stored, most rainwater mixes with sewage and becomes unusable.
- Urban water demand has doubled in five years, yet groundwater extraction remains unchecked.
Need for Rainwater Conservation
- No Formal Storage in Major Cities
- Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad lack a system to collect and store rainwater.
- Experts suggest recharge wells and storage ponds should be developed.
- Sustainable Solutions
- New housing projects should integrate rainwater collection systems to reduce reliance on groundwater.
The Urgent Call for Action
Without immediate intervention, Pakistan’s water crisis will continue to worsen, threatening both agriculture and urban water supply. Experts emphasize the need for efficient water management policies to preserve this vital resource for the future.
