The water supply to Pakistan's capital Islamabad has come under pressure after the groundwater level dropped by almost 70 feet (21 metres).

Officials at the Water Supply Directorate of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad have discovered that tube wells designed to produce 400 to 500 gallons (1,800 - 2,300 litres) of water per minute were only producing 40 to 50 gallons (180-230 litres). The main cause of the fall in production is a drop in the level of the groundwater table. This in turn is the result of soil not absorbing sufficient rainwater.

With the city heavily dependent on groundwater for its water supply, there is a serous risk of water shortages unless the authorities seek alternative surface water sources, such as rivers and streams. Critics blame the CDA for not exploring other sources of water supply. With demand for water running at 115 million gallons (523 million litres) a day, the civic authority is only supplying 60 million gallons (273 million litres), up to 60% of which is lost through leakage and non-judicious use of water.

Related web sites: Wikipedia: Water supply and sanitation in Pakistan ; CDA Water Supply Directorate

Source: Fazal Sher, Daily Times, 05 Sep 2008

Tags: south asia, urban wash, water resources management, water supply