Water Issues in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions

Pakistan today faces numerous water issues and is categorized as a water stressed country with per capita water availability declining due to increasing population, inefficient water use, over-extraction of groundwater, insufficient water reservoirs, poor policies and the increasing challenges of climate change.

As per the FAO 2021 report, between 1977 and 2017, water usage rose by 0.7% per year while total water resources remained unchanged at 246.8 BCM, reducing water resources from 3,478 to 1,117 m3 per year. If the current trend continues, water extraction to water resource ratio may exceed 100% in the coming decades. Excessive groundwater pumping for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use has led to declining water tables, especially in urban areas and the agricultural heartland of Punjab and Sindh provinces.

Pakistan also suffers from water pollution with Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage discharges which contaminate surface and groundwater sources and pose serious health risks and causes unquantified damage to the ecosystems.

Over 50% of the country’s population is dependent on Agriculture which also consumes the majority of Pakistan’s water resources. The lack of modern technology in agriculture, choice of water intensive crops, incorrect cropping patterns, inefficient irrigation not only lead to significant water wastage but also meager yields which directly impacts food security.

Furthermore, changes in precipitation patterns, melting glaciers, and increasing temperatures exacerbate water scarcity and contribute to extreme weather events such as frequent droughts, floods and unpredictable GLOF’s. These challenges combined with aging and poorly maintained water infrastructure result in significant water losses through leakage, inefficient delivery systems, and scant storage capacity.

The country is also faced with water management and governance issues. There has been no noteworthy increase in the storage capacity of water in Pakistan in the last few years. Water distribution between provinces, fragmented and overlapping institutional responsibilities, lack of coordination among agencies, and weak enforcement of regulations hinder effective water management.

Pakistan’s growing population and urbanization has further increased demand for water supply and sanitation services. Many urban areas face water shortages, intermittent supply, and inadequate sewage treatment facilities. The lack of proper building codes has allowed the mushroom growth of poorly planned housing colonies which invariable block waterways. Meagre water sewerage significantly contributes to urban flooding and spread of water borne diseases.

Despite facing these monumental challenges, no tangible effort appears visible at the governmental and societal levels to change the mindset of the population towards water conservation, rain water foresting and water saving. Given the water problems of Pakistan, water conservation has become crucial. Pakistan needs to move and adopt modern irrigation methods such as drip and sprinkler systems to reduce water wastage. Lining irrigation canals and watercourses with concrete or other impermeable materials can reduce water seepage and loss, ensuring more efficient water delivery to agricultural land and farms. 

As Pakistan uses a lot of ground water by excessive use of tube wells and water pumps, replenishing of water table remains essential. Implementing Managing Aquifer techniques (MAR), such as aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), where water is intentionally stored in aquifers during times of surplus and withdrawn during periods of scarcity is needed. 

Installing systems to capture and store rainwater for groundwater recharge and creating structures to facilitate the percolation of surface water into the aquifers can considerably increase the water table. Through concerted policies, the government needs to control and monitor groundwater extraction. 

There is a need to encourage developments of rainwater harvesting systems in both urban and rural areas to supplement existing water supplies and reduce pressure on groundwater resources. The use of Grey recycling for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and toilet flushing can help reduce the demand for freshwater.

Crop selection by cultivating drought-resistant and low-water-demand crops is a way to conserve water. Proper crop rotation can not only save water but also increase the yield per acre. Planting trees and protecting watersheds can enhance water retention in the soil, reduce erosion, and improve groundwater recharge.

Water conservation also requires use of public awareness campaigns and educational programs among citizens, industries, farmers and students. Such initiatives would require public and private partnerships to reduce water wastage. The importance of water has to be taught to students who are the future architects of tomorrow. Social media must be extensively used to highlight water conservation.

There is an urgent need for the government to revisit some of its water policies. Development of small dams and reservoirs remains a necessity. As the policy framework is inadequate, a well-articulated top down and bottom up approach is required. The eighteen amendment needs to be viewed dispassionately as an equitable share of the water resources in all provinces is vital for Pakistan.

Strengthening water management policies and regulations, including pricing mechanisms that reflect the true cost of water, can encourage more efficient use and reduce water wastage. As a country we use water extravagantly. Promoting the use of water-efficient fixtures and appliances in households and industries can significantly reduce water consumption. Upgrading and maintaining water infrastructure to reduce leakages and losses in urban water supply systems is the need of the hour.

Consideration also needs to be given to implement measures to regulate groundwater extraction and encourage recharge to assist to maintain sustainable groundwater levels. Planting trees and protecting watersheds can enhance water retention in the soil, reduce erosion, and improve groundwater recharge. Ponds and water collection areas can be made to recharge the aqua ducts.

As a country, Pakistan has to be cognizant to the effects of climate change. More efforts and work is required in this area. Awareness is only one part, the next is to plan and improvise. Sustainability is the key. A change in the consumption patterns can only take place by Involving local communities in water management decisions and practices to ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

A change is attitudes is required. As a nation, we do not realize the perilous situation we are in due to depleting underground water levels. We mindlessly wash cars with a hose, leave leaky faucets unattended and adopt water intensive cleaning methods in our society. To bring about these behavioral changes, education and awareness is needed to use water with care.

Pakistan also lacks authentic data which is essential for proper synthesis and analysis. It is necessary to invest in research and monitoring to understand the local geology, hydrology, and climate patterns, which can assist to design and implement effective recharge strategies.

The country also needs to check its population growth rate. No country can progress if its population is increasing at a rate of 2% plus. Water conservation with a swelling population will remain a mirage only. Lastly, the time for reflection and pondering has long gone. Pakistan needs to act fast to check its water scarcity and ensure its sustainability. Water is an essential source of life and it is imperative on the policy makers to ensure that future generations have this important resource available to them. Water, food and national security go hand in hand.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Nadeem Riyaz is a former Pakistan Ambassador and Permanent Representative to FAO, WFP and IFAD.

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