Rawalpindi has declared a water emergency for the second time this year as the city’s water supply struggles to meet escalating demand. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) reports that daily water demand has surged to over 50 million gallons, while the current supply lags at approximately 30 million gallons.​

Diminishing Water Reserves​

The city’s primary water sources are nearing critical levels. Khanpur Dam holds only enough reserves for one more month, and Rawal Dam is projected to sustain the city’s needs for up to three months under current conditions. Compounding the issue, the underground water table has dropped to 650 feet, showing no signs of recovery due to below-average rainfall.​

Contributing Factors​

Several factors have exacerbated the water crisis:​

  • Below-Average Rainfall: Insufficient precipitation has failed to replenish dam reservoirs and groundwater levels.​
  • Overpopulation: Rapid population growth has increased water demand beyond sustainable levels.​
  • Commercial Activity: Unchecked industrial and commercial water usage has further strained resources.​

WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that reliance on tube wells and alternate sources is unsustainable in the long term.​

Call to Action​

In response to the crisis, WASA is urging residents to conserve water and has announced plans to initiate legal action against unnecessary water use. Public cooperation is deemed essential to mitigate the crisis and prevent further depletion of the city’s water resources.​

As the region awaits much-needed rainfall, authorities stress the importance of immediate and collective efforts to address the water shortage and ensure sustainable water management for the future.