WASA Declares Emergency as Rawalpindi Faces Severe Water Crisis

Rawalpindi: The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has declared a state of emergency in Rawalpindi due to an escalating water crisis caused by persistent drought conditions. With no significant rainfall in recent months, the city is experiencing an acute shortage of water, leading to growing concerns among residents and officials alike. Authorities warn that if the dry spell continues through February and March, the situation could deteriorate to catastrophic levels.

Alarming Drop in Rawal Dam’s Water Levels

The primary source of water for Rawalpindi, Rawal Dam, has recorded critically low water levels, posing a significant challenge to meeting the city’s water needs. The dam, which has a total storage capacity of 1,743.30 feet, has seen its water level drop to just 1,669 feet. This means that Rawalpindi only has about 45 days’ worth of water supply left before running out, raising serious concerns about the city’s water security.

Officials report that the inflow of water into the dam is currently negligible, while the outflow stands at 95.13 feet. Additionally, underground water levels have plummeted by 700 feet, further exacerbating the crisis. The declining groundwater reserves mean that tube wells, a major alternative source of water, are also becoming less reliable.

Severe Discrepancy Between Demand and Supply

The worsening crisis has been highlighted by the growing disparity between water demand and supply. WASA Managing Director Saim Ashraf revealed that Rawalpindi requires at least 68 million gallons of water per day to sustain its residents and commercial activities. However, the current available supply is only 51 million gallons per day, leaving a shortfall of 17 million gallons daily.

This shortage has resulted in supply disruptions in several areas of the city, with residents complaining about irregular water supply and increased dependence on water tankers. The high population density and rapid urban expansion have further strained the limited water resources, making it increasingly difficult for WASA to manage equitable distribution.

Challenges in Alternative Water Sources

To mitigate the crisis, authorities are relying on multiple water sources, including Rawal Dam, Khanpur Dam, and tube wells. However, these sources are also under stress. The depletion of Rawal Dam’s reserves means that the city is heavily dependent on Khanpur Dam, which is also facing its own challenges. Moreover, maintenance work at Khanpur Dam has led to a temporary suspension of water supply until February 22, worsening the overall situation.

The use of tube wells, another major source of water, has also been affected due to the drastic drop in underground water levels. Many tube wells have already dried up, leaving large parts of the city struggling to meet their daily water requirements. As a result, residents have been forced to buy water from private suppliers at exorbitant rates, adding financial strain to households already burdened by inflation.

Potential Solutions and Future Measures

In response to the crisis, WASA has urged citizens to conserve water and adopt efficient usage practices to prolong the remaining supply. Officials have also intensified efforts to reduce water wastage by repairing leaks, controlling illegal water connections, and launching awareness campaigns to encourage responsible consumption.

The agency is also exploring alternative long-term solutions to ensure water sustainability in Rawalpindi. Some proposed measures include the development of new water reservoirs, rainwater harvesting initiatives, and investment in desalination technology. Additionally, the Punjab government has been approached to secure emergency water supplies and funding for infrastructure improvements.

Residents’ Struggles and Growing Concerns

The ongoing water crisis has left residents worried about the future, with many expressing frustration over the unpredictability of water supply. Complaints regarding low water pressure, extended supply cuts, and increased reliance on water tankers have become widespread across Rawalpindi’s densely populated areas. Some citizens have resorted to rationing water for essential needs, fearing that the situation could become even more severe in the coming weeks.

Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and service industries, are also feeling the impact of the shortage. Many hotels, restaurants, and laundries have reported operational challenges due to limited water availability, leading to financial losses and potential layoffs.

Call for Immediate Action

With only 45 days of water supply left, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Experts emphasize the need for immediate intervention by the government to prevent a full-blown water crisis in Rawalpindi. They recommend policy reforms to regulate water usage, accelerate infrastructure projects, and promote sustainable water management practices.

As the city awaits possible rainfall in the coming months, all eyes are on WASA and government authorities to take decisive action to address the crisis. Meanwhile, residents are urged to practice water conservation and support measures aimed at securing Rawalpindi’s water future.