Considering the recent rains in Karachi, many people will wonder whether the city is genuinely facing a water crisis. Unfortunately, although the recent rains have filled the Hub Dam and Keenjhar Lake, which are two of the primary sources of water for the city, the fact cannot be denied that inadequate water supply in Karachi is a dire reality, one that many of its residents face with a brave face. Here, we’ll discuss just how bad the situation is and how you can play your part in solving Karachi’s water shortage concerns on an individual level.
Pakistan Ranks High in Terms of Water Consumption and Shortage
Several studies and reports have confirmed that Pakistan is on the edge of a major water crisis in the coming years if efforts are not made to prevent leaks, store excess water, and convert seawater as well as wastewater into reusable forms. Climate change is the largest factor involved in the shortage of water in the country, and since water consumption levels continue to rise, without an increase in supply, groundwater depletion is fast becoming a reality.
The solution to Pakistan’s water problems does not lie outside our everyday lives, though. After discussing the water situation in Karachi, we’ll move on to the seemingly small but potent steps that you can take to play your part in solving Karachi’s water shortage.
Karachi Faces a Water Shortage of Nearly 700 Million Gallons per Day (MGD)
The number is astounding, right? Well, the city’s current population requires around 1,100 MGD and only 400 MGD is being delivered. Aside from the inability of the people to store water in their homes due to load shedding of power and lack of electricity in the area, many parts of the town are not even receiving the due water supply on a daily basis. It is also worth noting that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) supplies water to different areas on Karachi at different times of the day and night.
The worst-hit areas are DHA, Landhi, Malir, Korangi, and Orangi, as well as parts of North Nazimabad, North Karachi, and Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Many new developments being built on the outskirts of Karachi are, therefore, establishing their own water treatment plants to ensure an adequate supply of water to residents.
So, what are the primary causes of inadequate water supply in Karachi, and what can you do about it?
Causes of Water Shortage in Karachi
- Climate change
- Broken or leaking pipelines
- Lack of water conservation efforts
Ways to Conserve Water and Play Your Part in Water Preservation
Considering the magnitude of the problem, you might wonder whether individual efforts will even make a difference. But guess what? Although you may feel that your efforts are insignificant, they can make a significant impact on the bigger picture. So, what are the best ways to conserve water in Karachi and become a responsible citizen? Let’s find out:
Create Awareness Regarding Water Shortage in Karachi
As an individual, learn all you can about the problem at hand. Figure out what you can do at your end to play your part in solving Karachi’s water shortage and then hold discussions with your family and friends. Get more people involved in similar efforts to create the awareness that we need to participate actively in saving water for the future.
Participate in Community Events
Many communities, clubs, and societies in Karachi hold cleanliness and tree plantation drives. Take part in such events and drag a few volunteers along who are as genuinely concerned about the problems as you are. Cleaning existing water supplies and planting trees to bring more rainfall to the city are two small ways to ensure a better future for all.
Conserve Water at Home
There are several ways to conserve water, and the efforts begin at home. Water conservation at home is one of the simplest ways to save water and play your part in solving Karachi’s water shortage. From turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, to catching rainwater to wash your car, or fixing a leaking tap, which is one of the most common DIY plumbing repairs, there are plenty of small steps that you can take to avert the water crisis threatening our existence in the coming years.
It is quite easy to sit back and talk about what needs to be done with regards to solving Karachi’s water shortage issues, but few of us actually step up to do something for the cause. However, only by taking charge and playing an active role can we come together as a nation to resolve the issues that plague our future generations. Aside from actively partaking in ways to conserve water, you should also consider some easy tips to save energy at home as reduced energy consumptions can also affect climate change positively.
Every drop of water saved today will benefit us tomorrow! Drop us an email at blog@zameen.com if you have some suggestions to share on the topic. Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more lifestyle posts.
