water pollution in pakistan essay

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Water sanitation problem in Pakistan: A review on disease prevalence, strategies for treatment and prevention

Khulud qamar.

a Faculty of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan

Goodluck Nchasi

b Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania

Hania Tul Mirha

c CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan

Javeria Arif Siddiqui

d Faculty of Medicine, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan

Kainat Jahangir

Sean kaisser shaeen, zarmina islam, mohammad yasir essar.

e Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan

The global water crisis is expected to worsen if urgent action is not taken in making sustainable amends. This applies to Pakistan as the entire country suffers massively from poor water sanitation. Waterborne diseases are rising exponentially attributed to rise in microbial infestations, trace elements and drug toxicity in many water bodies of Pakistan. Treatment and prevention strategies must be implemented through national authorities and at the individual level. Awareness on use of clean water must be emphasized and proper administration on water management policies should be implemented. Immediate and active sustainability for water resources can ensure a safer future for Pakistan.

• • Water Sanitation has been a problem all over Pakistan.
• • The current situation has shown that most rural areas and some urban areas suffer due to the unclean water supply, which progresses in many diseases.
• • This paper combines many methods of preventing waterborne diseases and treating the water bodies to make it free from contaminants.

1. Introduction

Water is one of the most vital necessities for survival, the World Health Organization (WHO) states water as a “primary tool for enhancing public health” as availability of water prevents many diseases and significantly improves hygiene [ 1 ]. Access to clean water is a right to all yet a privilege to only a few as globally more than 1.1 billion people face water scarcity and 2.4 million lack access to clean water [ 2 ]. Among the countries with insufficient water and sanitation problems, Pakistan has been ranked third according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as 2.1 million Pakistani individuals are deprived of safe water [ 3 ].

Pakistan's availability and quality of water is feared to present with many complications if not addressed urgently. Zhang et al. have stated that water shortage and cleanliness has critically affected many of the country's vital components such as the agricultural, environmental and societal systems [ 3 ]. There have also been many threats to Pakistan's public health due to water sanitation and hygiene problems as the risks for waterborne diseases exponentially increases. In 2017, 2.5 million deaths due to diarrhea were reported in Pakistan; 50% of the country's diseases and 40% of deaths occur due to consumption of contaminated water [ 4 ]. The water is contaminated with many pollutants such as fecal matter and microbes, metallic toxins, factorial and household waste, antibiotics, and other harmful drugs. The reasons of this water crisis in Pakistan include: climate change that impacts the yearly rainfall, poor development of water storage structures, and political influences [ [3] , [4] ]. [[, 4 ] [] [3] , [4] [] Other causes include increased demand because of the mass population and industrial surge that shorten the water supply [ 3 ]. Pakistan is severely challenged at an economic level as poor water sanitization has costed around 343.7 billion PKR (1.5 billion USD) in 2019 [ 5 ]. Furthermore in 2016–17 with the collaboration of UNICEF, the cost of allocating the services for cleaner water had increased to 72 billion PKR after previously being 48 billion PKR [ 5 ]. Even these services were of not optimal quality and available to the entire country hence, it can be said that supplying sanitized water in Pakistan will require funding. It is predicted that if the following conditions are not improved, many of the current challenges such as poverty, prevalence of disease and economic instability will worsen multiple folds in the near future [ 6 ].

This paper aims to present the impacts due to lack of water sanitation in Pakistan, challenges faced by the country and disease outbreaks. It will also highlight further investigations required on this crisis and discuss recommendations for improving the water quality and accessibility in the country.

2. Methodology

For this paper, the databases Google Scholar and PubMed have been used, key words “Water Sanitation”, “Hygiene” and “Pakistan” were used. Additional searches were “Diseases”, “Water Contamination”, “Water Shortage”, “Waterborne diseases”, “Water purification techniques”, “WASH”. All article types i.e., observational, editorial, review studies respective to the literature search have been included in this narrative review. Literature that does not correspond to situations in Pakistan or diverts away from the key words are excluded as well as any duplicates.

As relevant to the respective sections, 12 studies have been included regarding the status of water sanitation across the cities and provinces of Pakistan. Moreover, 17 studies have been included regarding the condition of water bodies, contaminants, and waterborne disease prevalence in Pakistan. Additionally, 7 mores studies have been included regarding the preventative techniques and treatment of water bodies, alongside this for recommendations 2 more studies have been included. A total of 44 reference articles have been included in this review including the introduction section with 4 additional studies. Identification, screening, and inclusion has been summarized on Fig. 1 .

The studies shortlisted from the identification and screening process have been shown in the PRISMA flowchart below.

4. Current situation of water sanitation in Pakistan

Access to safe, quality drinking water is a fundamental right of life, and it is the responsibility of those in charge to ensure that this right is upheld. The distribution of safe drinking water in Pakistan is markedly skewed, with only 20% of the population having access to quality water [ 4 ]. As a result, the remaining population is left with substandard quality water to fulfil daily requirements, undoubtedly exposing them to many diseases and other toxic effects of contaminated water, aggravated by anthropogenic activities. The most common pathogen found in drinking water are coliforms [ 7 ]. Inadequate sanitation of this water results in diarrhea upon consumption, which is one of the major causes of death in children under the age of 5 in Pakistan [ 8 ]. A study on the Prevalence of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Drinking Water of Rawalpindi and Islamabad revealed that less than half the samples collected were satisfactory for drinking, while the remaining samples were unsatisfactory and riddled with pathogens and fecal contaminants [ 7 ]. Furthermore, a study on the Samanduri drain in Faisalabad revealed untreated wastewater discharge being the largest contributor of contamination, resulting in water quality being incredibly poor and unfit for drinking [ 9 ]. Moreover, a study into water quality across Pakistan highlighted the various contaminants and challenges of water sanitation. Water in Punjab was found to be majorly contaminated by microbiologic factors and arsenic, thus rendering the water unfit for use and a major health risk [ 10 ]. Similarly, water quality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also poor, with majority being microbiologically contaminated and also majorly contaminated by iron [ 10 ].Water samples in Balochistan were also majorly contaminated by microbes and many nitrates, whilst water in Sindh was also found to be largely microbiologically contaminated [ 10 ]. Consuming inadequately sanitized water contaminated with pathogenic microbes poses major health risks, with approximately 80% of diseases in developing countries like Pakistan being waterborne [ 11 ]. The immense increase in prevalence of contaminated water can be attributed to the increase in population and therefore an increase in littering and disposal of household waste into water bodies [ 4 , 12 ]. This constant discharge has deteriorated the quality of surface water, has introduced toxic pollutants, and ultimately negatively impacting human health and the environment in the long term. Furthermore, the dumping of factory and agricultural waste into water bodies has contributed significantly to the contamination of water. The agricultural sector in Pakistan utilizes majority of the water, and the runoff generated coupled with the extensive use of fertilizers have increased contaminants like fluoride greatly [ 13 ].

In Pakistan, with the exponential increase in population and lack of fresh water sources, people are forced to rely on untreated ground water as their primary source, which is largely saline and does not meet WHO standards [ 14 ]. Over the years, the water availability has reduced by 3900 cubic meters per capita since 1951 to 2009. It is estimated to become as scarce as 700 cubic meters per capita in 2025 [ 15 ]. The severe shortage current water storage facilities and uncertainty of more projects working for Pakistan's drainage, sanitization and storage are reasons why water shortfall is believed to reach 32% in 2025 [ 15 ]. Pakistan is currently battling one of the most severe climate changes with the recent flooding, which too has further troubled water management.

With sewage pipes and the water sanitation pipes running alongside each other, leakage of these pipes causes contamination of the water, exposing users to a host of diseases [ 16 ]. For water to be deemed safe, it must be “free from components which may adversely affect the human health. Such components include minerals, organic substances and disease-causing microorganisms.“(17) An assessment of water quality, using the water quality index (WQI) in Sindh found that only 2.13% of the samples were excellent while 55.32% were classified as poor [ 12 ]. With no alternative source for drinking water, coupled with the demand for clean water greater than supply, majority of the population is forced to use this water. This has resulted in a cardinal impact on human health, with 30% of all diseases and 40% of all deaths due to poor water quality [ 17 ].

5. Diseases

Globally, one in three people do not have access to clean drinking water while more than 673 million people still practice open defecation thus predisposing them to waterborne diseases [ 18 ]. As of 2016–2017, only half of the population in urban sub-Saharan Africa had access clean drinking water and about half a billion deaths are caused by diarrheal diseases [ 19 , 20 ]. In rural Africa, there is still limited access to clean water due to underdeveloped sanitation systems hence this predisposes the people to many infections leading to chronic disability and death [ 21 ].

In Pakistan, waterborne diseases account for 80% of all diseases and 33% of deaths [ 4 ]. In addition, there is a high national expenditure of Pakistani rupee (PKR) 112 billion per annum due to hygiene related illness; it includes disease caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation [ 22 ].

Pakistan is blessed with many surface and ground water resources [ 10 ]. However, the increased technological development has led to the introduction of biological, chemical, and physical impurities in drinking water. Studies have shown cotton farms in Multan and Punjab province cause ground water contamination by pesticides, where 33% of samples exceed the maximum residue limit [ 23 ]. Moreover, Improper disposal of industrial waste has introduced metals such as copper and iron, a country-wide study showed high concentration of iron where 28% and 40% was found in samples from ground and surface water respectively thus predisposing people to cancer [ 23 ]. In addition to the poor water sanitation system and drainage lines, animal and human fecal containing the coli form bacteria are drained in water bodies such as rivers and lakes thus leading to waterborne diseases [ 16 ]. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, analysis done on water samples showed 94% and 34% was contaminated with total coliforms and fecal coliforms, respectively [ 23 ]. Furthermore, open defecation is a big problem in most of rural than urban areas in Punjab Provinces, where studies show 25% of the population practice it [ 24 ].

Every year, there is about 100 million diarrheal cases and 2.5 million people in Pakistan die of endemic diarrheal disease due presence various pathogens including virus, bacteria, and protozoa in the contaminated ground water supply [ 25 ]. Diarrhea accounts for 60% of deaths among infants and children in Pakistan [ 26 ]. In addition, everyday 670,000 children miss school due to diseases and lack of proper water sanitation system [ 22 ]. Other impurities present in water bodies include trace elements/heavy metals including Zinc, Manganese and copper, as well as pesticides [ 23 ].

The most common waterborne diseases are cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid, giardiasis, intestinal worms, diarrhea, cryptosporidium infections, and gastroenteritis [ 27 ]. Most of the water borne diseases are most prevalent in rural areas, especially Pakistan's southern province of Sindh Karachi, and Hyderabad [ 28 , 29 ]. In Islamabad, Pakistan, hepatitis E is most prevalent due to the use of untreated water [ 30 ]. In addition, contaminated water usually contains other pathogens such as E. coli (51%), Giardia lamblia(27.66%), Enterobacter(64%), Salmonella, Cyclosporin coetaneities, and Clostridium [ [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] ]. In addition, Naegleria fowleri infections are common in Karachi, in 2019 there were 96 confirmed cases (92% males, 8% females) [ 35 ]. Conclusively, these diseases cause harmful effects and unfortunately most people are unaware of the potential risks of using unsafe water for domestic uses such as drinking.

6. Preventative techniques and treatment

Some of the major causes of water contamination are unprotected water sources, lack of sanitary practice, unsafe domestic water usage and insufficient management of water treatment. Thus, to further prevent water contamination and improve the quality, governments should increase wastewater treatment plants as well as revamp the existing ones. Amendments in the sewerage system are necessary to prevent sewerage waste from leaking into the drinking water. Additionally it is important that awareness campaigns should be carried out in order to educate the mass on importance of water sanitation along with methods of maintenance [ 36 ]. Certain interventions are put in place in order to prevent waterborne diseases such as addressing misconceptions and social customs. WASH education campaigns have successfully been held in attempts to target disease prevention behavior along with hygiene practice within individuals. Keeping in mind the various languages and cultures within Pakistan, education should be delivered in a culturally sensitive manner with respect to the languages and literacy of the communities.

In order to maintain baseline water quality, routine check-ups of the chlorine levels in house hold waters should be performed [ 37 ]. Chlorine tablets are administered as water disinfectants and are often efficiently used to kill pathogens present in the water. This method is accepted worldwide due to low-cost and easy application. A study conducted in Pakistan showed a greater than 95% presence of bacteriological contamination [ 38 ]. The samples collected from both surface and ground water detected diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid fever and Hepatitis A & E which result in severe prolonged diarrhea which leads to dehydration [ 36 ]. Due to severity of the diseases, an addition method of treating water in Pakistan is the application of polymer technology. Through this method suspended solids are coagulated and form floc which are curds of solid material. Cationic polymers such as polylysine result in cell membrane lysis of pathogens by causing leakage of cell components. Low cost of cationic polymers makes it an economical technique of water treatment [ 39 ]. Thus, aims at the government level in order to improve water sanitation could focus on surveillance of the water quality, endorsement of water treatment technologies which are low in cost alongside development of more water treatment plants [ 40 ].

A community-based survey in the city of Karachi consisting of 379 participants revealed that 89.40% of the participants use the boiling method to treat their water, whereas 7.28% use non-specified methods [ 41 ]. In addition, 1.99% use purifiers for water treatment and 1.33% use chemical methods [ 41 ]. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology is a popular means to decrease waterborne diseases. This pressure-driven method works by removing organisms from the water by a semipermeable membrane. The filtration of contaminants results in clean drinkable water. Since this particular method requires a great amount of energy and it fails to eliminate volatile organic compounds, an alternative known as Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used to treat water. These nanotubes have a hollow structure which is hydrophobic whereas the ends are hydrophilic. This eases the movement of water molecules through the tubes. The membranes of the CNTs have antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects which disrupt the cell membranes of the pathogens. This method has preferable qualities such as ecofriendly, low cost and increased recyclability [ 36 ].

The Multiple tube Fermentation technique (MTF) is used to determine the presence of coliform groups in water. This method is composed of three stages, a presumptive stage in which the water sample is placed in multiple test tubes along with a nutrient broth which are then incubated for approximately 48 h. The formation of gas results in a positive presumptive test. Since both coliform and non-coliform bacteria produce gas, a second confirmatory test is performed to specify the organism. Finally, the completed test is performed on the previously positive subjects to further identify the organism. A simpler approach towards detecting fecal contamination in water is the hydrogen sulfide test. Coliform bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide which reacts with iron thereby producing a black iron sulfide precipitate. Water samples are incubated within an iron rich growth medium for 12–18 h. Production of a black color reveals the presence of hydrogen sulfide producing organisms. Microarrays are another promising means to detect waterborne pathogens by simultaneously detecting numerous genes. This method is specifically used to detect E. coli virulence and virulence related genes [ 42 ]. All preventative and treatment methods have been summarized in a table below.

The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) in Pakistan purposed programs such as the clean drinking water program which consisted of two phases, the first phase being installation of plants in various districts and the second phase in which infiltration plants would be involved in union councils along with villages. Within Pakistan there have been certain policies which aim to improve sanitation by developing flush latrines within homes in urban areas and high-density rural areas. This would transfer the waste to a sewerage treatment facility. Ventilated pit privies or pour flush latrines would be placed within homes in low-density rural settlements. This would transfer the waste to a wastewater disposal or collection system. These measures would certify a defecation free environment thus encouraging hygienic practices [ 40 ]. Table 1 shows prevention Techniques/Treatments and their effectiveness.

The preventative techniques used in Pakistan and their effectiveness are summarized in the table below.

7. Recommendations and future insights

Globally many programs have been introduced to monitor the water sanitation conditions across countries, especially in the low and middle-class countries as it has been stated that nearly 2 billion people drink water that is contaminated with feces. These programs include the joint monitoring program (JMP) and the Sustainability Development Goals 6 which include the 6 aims to ultimately ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’ by 2030 [ 6 ].

Relative to the rest of the world, Pakistan which is ranked in the top 10 of countries with the highest populations living without access to safe water, is in drastic need of improving its water sanitation practices as well as its drinking water standards throughout its cities and rural areas [ 43 ]. To work on water sanitation, key initiatives need to be taken place not only at the government level but also simultaneously at the individual level. If applied correctly, the death and diseases caused by water-borne diseases can be significantly reduced by maintaining adequate hygiene.

At the government level, the legislative approach should be used and water authorities like WASA, and the Water and Sanitation Agency should be held responsible for the quality of drinking water [ 4 ]. Industrial waste and commercial waste should not be dumped directly into freshwater resources as they can be hazardous to human health, as increased levels of nitrates have been reported to cause blue baby syndrome in bottle-fed children. It is essential for the government to go after companies and individuals which actively contribute to the waste being dumped as such by heavily fining them, holding them responsible for disposing of the waste, as well as potential prison time. This will deter additional people from committing the same act, have those which already done so clean up the present waste, as well as provide an opportunity to use the collected fines to build treatment facilities to further improve water sanitation. Water sanitation and water-borne disease are major health concerns so more investment at the government level should be done to work on projects to improve the quality of drinking water. However, although it is true that the country has invested in creating new treatment plants to do just that, simply building these facilities is not enough. According to an official of the Karachi Water and Sewage Board (KWSB), once these facilities are built and installed by foreign companies, they immediately leave without any guidance on running and maintaining the treatment plants. As a result, the technicians present become underqualified and are unable to maintain the facilities eventually leading to them running under capacity or even potentially collapsing quicker than initially estimated [ 44 ]. Therefore, it's imperative for the government to not only build the facilities, but also provide the training and technical knowledge to run and maintain them as well.

Along with the government, the private sector should be encouraged as well to work on water sanitation projects as it can help in water problems in the long term [ 22 ]. For example, in terms of water sanitation and hygiene, several campaigns on the level of both public and private schools as well as colleges should be conducted so that the younger generations can learn and practice different hygiene techniques. This is effective as not only will the students be taught on mass about the practices and benefits of water sanitation and proper hygiene, but the same students will be able to teach their own family members back at home thus making the students their own agents of change. Additionally, the use of mass media can be very beneficial in the long term for raising awareness regarding water sanitation which should be done simultaneously by spreading this information across various social media platforms and by employing social media influencers who can reach a wide audience.

Finally on an individual level, practicing various water sanitation technique can help improve the water quality. This is especially important and true in rural areas where public health campaigns can be useful in terms of reinforcing the quality standard. One reason for this is that rural areas are vastly underfunded and undereducated compared to their counterparts living in the city. Furthermore, it is in rural areas which have the biggest problem with open defecation, poor hygiene, and a lack of proper waste management. This is significant as a majority of water in rural settings comes from ground water with over 50% of village households drinking water source coming from hand pumps [ 24 ]. This supplemented with the fact that the nearly no investment goes to the management of fecal sludge and wastewater leads to drinking water and soil contamination for the inhabitants of the village. Therefore, not only should actions be made to improve the water sanitation capabilities across the country, but also there should be plans made to invest in the effective management and disposal of fecal matter and wastewater. This being implemented with proper hygiene practices will lead to the water quality in Pakistan improving in both its cities and rural areas.

8. Conclusion

This paper focused on water sanitation and disease prevalence in Pakistan and the current methods and programs that are being implemented to improve water sanitation. With water-borne disease on the rise and the adverse effects of poor water sanitation on human health, immediate steps need to be taken both on individual and government levels. Globally accepted programs of water sanitation should be enforced across the country and new programs of water sanitation that are cost-effective should be introduced.

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The Nation: Dealing with Pakistan’s growing water insecurity

Water insecurity is already imposing significant social, environmental, and economic development challenges for pakistan..

Water insecurity is already imposing significant social, environmental, and economic development challenges for Pakistan. In recent years, climate-induced disasters (floods and droughts) have highlighted the urgency to introduce climate-resilient solutions for improved water governance at all levels. In 1980, Pakistan had a relatively abundant supply of water. In 2000, Pakistan had become water-stressed and by 2035, Pakistan is predicted to have become water scarce. In addition, COVID-19 has underscored the importance of strengthening the resilience of potable water supply systems. Thus, Pakistan’s increasing water scarcity and vulnerability to climate change highlights the urgent need to manage climate-related risks and to improve water use at the national and local levels. Presently, groundwater provides over 90% of drinking water supplies to all major cities, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad Capital Territory, often referred to as the “twin cities.”

Read the full article on https://nation.com.pk

• moshin hafeez

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Wastewater Treatment in Pakistan: Issues, Challenges and Solutions

• First Online: 27 September 2023

Cite this chapter

• Fozia Parveen 7 &
• Sher Jamal Khan 8  

Part of the book series: Global Issues in Water Policy ((GLOB,volume 30))

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Currently able to treat only 1% of its wastewater, Pakistan is far from its commitment under the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to treat up to 50% of its wastewater. The rapid urbanization of cities without corresponding improvements in infrastructure to collect and treat wastewater leads to poor quality water and sanitation. The organizations responsible for wastewater treatment are also responsible for providing quality drinking water, i.e., WASA (Water and Sanitation Authorities). This has resulted in untreated wastewater being used for irrigation, and heavy contamination of ground and surface drinking water, thus leading to disease. Decentralized wastewater treatment plants and nature based systems need to be introduced to both cities and villages so that water can be reused in a healthy and sustainable way. Industries are now beginning to adhere to compliance standards while cities are becoming aware that open drains are not a long term solution to this problem. In short, Pakistan needs to consider the long-term benefits of wastewater treatment instead of its short-term costs, and make it a priority.

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Parveen, F., Khan, S.J. (2023). Wastewater Treatment in Pakistan: Issues, Challenges and Solutions. In: Ahmad, M. (eds) Water Policy in Pakistan. Global Issues in Water Policy, vol 30. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-36131-9_12

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Water pollution in Pakistan and its impact on public health--a review

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• 1 Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
• PMID: 21087795
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.10.007

Water pollution is one of the major threats to public health in Pakistan. Drinking water quality is poorly managed and monitored. Pakistan ranks at number 80 among 122 nations regarding drinking water quality. Drinking water sources, both surface and groundwater are contaminated with coliforms, toxic metals and pesticides throughout the country. Various drinking water quality parameters set by WHO are frequently violated. Human activities like improper disposal of municipal and industrial effluents and indiscriminate applications of agrochemicals in agriculture are the main factors contributing to the deterioration of water quality. Microbial and chemical pollutants are the main factors responsible exclusively or in combination for various public health problems. This review discusses a detailed layout of drinking water quality in Pakistan with special emphasis on major pollutants, sources of pollution and the consequent health problems. The data presented in this review are extracted from various studies published in national and international journals. Also reports released by the government and non-governmental organizations are included.

Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Water crisis in Pakistan: Facts and solutions

One of the most pressing issues that Pakistan faces at the moment is the water crisis . Pakistan is predominantly an agrarian country, with most of the economy dependent on water to grow crops. But ominously, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan is the third most affected country in terms of water scarcity. If problem of water shortage prevails, it might have drastic and long-ranging geo-political, financial and ecological effects on Pakistan. 

Pakistan’s water originates from a number of sources. Around 60 percent of our total rainwater is derived from the monsoon rains, but a significant proportion also comes from the winter rainfall. In addition, Pakistan has a lot of glaciers which feed the river system in Pakistan. River Indus and its tributaries provide most of the water needed for irrigation. Glacial melt off has been affected due to climate change, increasing risks of flooding. 

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Pakistan’s surface and groundwater resources are depleting rapidly. By 2016, surface water availability per capita had fallen close to 1000 cubic centimeters and is expected to decrease even further. Pakistan is considered to have crossed the “water scarcity line” in 2005, according to Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). The problem of water shortage has worsened terribly due to the alarming rate of water usage in Pakistan – the fourth highest in the world – while the water intensity rate (the amount of water used per unit GDP) is, unsettlingly, the highest in the world. 

The Tarbela and Mangla Dams are the only big dams in Pakistan which can store floodwater. By 2018, both had reached their “dead” levels, meaning that they do not have enough water to operate. According to Muhammad Khalid Rana, from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), Pakistan is extremely short on reservoirs and can only save water for 30 days. Furthermore, he states that Pakistan receives almost 145 million acre feet of water but can only save 13.7 million acre feet of water. He goes on to say Pakistan needs 40 million acre feet of water but 29 acre feet is wasted due to lack of dams. 

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) warn of absolute water scarcity and a drought by 2025 if such problems prevail. Recently the sources of Pakistan’s water are becoming unpredictable. As such, Mian Ahmed Naeem Salik from the Institute of Strategic Studies reports, that in the past few years the monsoon season in Pakistan has become erratic. Moreover the winter season has shrunk as well from four to two months in most parts of the country. On top of that Pakistan is unable to save precious floodwater due to scarcity of dams.  

In lieu of such a situation measures need to be taken to conserve water and solve this impending water crisis . The first step that should be taken is to provide awareness programs for the public so that they may try their best to conserve water. The people of Pakistan should be well informed about the situation, so that they may be able to save maximum amount of gallons of water as they possibly can. 

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Furthermore, as we are short on reservoirs and dams, the Government should initiate projects for more large-scale dams. One such example is the Diamer-Bhasha Dam for which funds were being collected. The Government must invest in large-scale dam projects so we may be able to save much required floodwater. 

Moreover, cost effective measures for saving water should be implemented at domestic level. The Government should make use of technology based methods to prevent leakage in pipes and keep water usage in check. Smart irrigation methods should be used to reduce water wastage drastically, rather than wasting lots of groundwater through tube wells.

We should utilize other methods to trap rainwater and use it to recharge underground aquifers, ensuring more water for the future. In essence, increased attention and funds towards this quandary is required from the Government. If such measures are not taken with swiftness and alacrity Pakistan will find itself in a highly perplexing conundrum.   

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The author is a student at Aitchison College, Lahore.

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Essay on Pollution in Pakistan and Its Causes

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution. Essay on Pollution in Pakistan and Its Causes Solution.

In 2015, pollution killed 9 million people in the world. Major forms of pollution include: Short essay on pollution in Pakistan, Environmental Pollution in Pakistan English Essay Air pollution, light pollution, littering, noise pollution, plastic pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, thermal pollution, visual pollution, water pollution. Pakistan is one of the developing countries which are sustaining the pollution problem. Traffic congestion is one of the main causes of air pollution. The usage of old transports is ruining the situation. No prevailing laws are strictly implemented as a result factory exudes their smoke into the air. Simultaneously wasted poisonous substances are excreted in the water of rivers and lakes which is causing water pollution.

The conditions exacerbate in the urban areas. In some predominant areas main roads are windened but the status is worst inside the streets where with all the air and water pollution, people throw the garbage on the streets. Pollution in Pakistan is persistently increasing and on the other hand healthy environmental policies are not on the priority list, resulting the spread of the diseases for instance asthema and lungs cancer etc.

Water Pollution: this is a major problem in Pakistan. There are many sources of water pollution in Pakistan. Most of them are found in Karachi as it is an area of industries. Although it is a government policy to filter the industrial water and then release it into the sea many industries here are dumping contaminated water in seas thereby increasing the threat of extinction of marine life as well as polluting the water. Almost the whole of city’s sewerage is dumped into rivers and the sea. As a result of this Karachi is facing many problems in the access of clean water and most parts of the city are still without water.

Land Pollution: As Pakistan is not a rich country, it doesn’t have enough money to spend on waste disposal systems. As a result most of the home waste and other kinds of wastage is usually thrown away on empty plots next to the houses and is then burned which may be harmful to the people living in the area. Only less than 5% of the waste is recycled and most of it is disposed directly on the ground. There are only a few garbage cans along the roads so people living far away have to dispose off their waste somewhere else.

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Water pollution is a very plebeian issue in Pakistan.The contamination of water bodies with toxic harmful entities and pathogens like fungi, viruses, bacteria, and so many more. Moreover, there are numerous reasons effects of water pollution. Water polluted water often causes many diseases such as typhoid, amoebiasis, ascariasis, rashes, earache, respiratory infection, hepatitis, diarrhea, vomiting stomach aches, cancer, nervous illness. furthermore, according to a solitary estimate, 53,000 children in Pakistan are affected by the ghosts of children diarrhea every year after drinking water containing hazardous bacteria. According to another estimate, 40% per cent of all deaths in Pakistan are caused by water infected with sewage and poor quality industrial water. Pakistani people are suffering many problems due to water pollution. So, it is my humbly request to our PM Imran Khan, to resolve this serious issue as very soon you want to protect the youth of Pakistan.

Water pollution is one of the major threats to public health in Pakistan. Drinking water quality is poorly managed and monitored. Pakistan ranks at number 80 among 122 nations regarding drinking water quality. Drinking water sources, both surface and groundwater are contaminated with coliforms, toxic metals and pesticides throughout the country. Various drinking water quality parameters set by WHO are frequently violated. Human activities like improper disposal of municipal and industrial effluents and indiscriminate applications of agrochemicals in agriculture are the main factors contributing to the deterioration of water quality. Microbial and chemical pollutants are the main factors responsible exclusively or in combination for various public health problems. This review discusses a detailed layout of drinking water quality in Pakistan with special emphasis on major pollutants, sources of pollution and the consequent health problems. The data presented in this review are extracted from various studies published in national and international journals. Also reports released by the government and non-governmental organizations are included. Causes of water pollution is mainly caused by the disposal of untreated municipal liquid waste, leaking of sewage lines and industrial waste water. Effects of water pollution affects adversely in drinking water contamination, pollution of water bodies e.g. rivers, canals, drains, sub-soil water pollution, loss of aquatic life, crop damages, heavy metals in food chain, increased rate of waterborne diseases

Remedies to control water pollution include treatment plants for municipal and industrial effluents before disposal to water bodies, adequate collection, recycling and disposal, application of “Clean Technology” at the industrial units, segregate sewage lines to avoid mixing with drinking water supply, filter plants for clean drinking water. Conservation of water must be focused to avoid water scarcity in future. People should not pour water down the drain, instead use it to water your plants or garden. Additonally, fix dripping faucets, one drop per second wastes 2700 gallons of water per year. Also, take shorter showers and turn off the water while you lather up and turn off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your face.

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Water Pollution in Pakistan

A Special Report Pakistan’s Waters at Risk Water & Health Related Issues in Pakistan & Key Recommendations Based on Information/Data drawn from Government Documents and NGOs / IGOs Publications February 2007 Endorsed by Report compiled by: Freshwater & Toxics Programme, WWF – Pakistan. Cover page design: Communications Division, WWF – Pakistan. Published 2007 by WWF – Pakistan, Ferozepur Road, Lahore – 54600, Pakistan. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of WWF and its members. Cover photo credits: Freshwater & Toxics Programme, WWF – Pakistan

WATER & HEALTH RELATED ISSUES IN PAKISTAN A SPECIAL REPORT Table of Contents Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. 2. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND CURRENT SITUATION / ISSUES OF WATER IN PAKISTAN 2. 1 WATER AVAILABILITY 2. 2 WATER DEMAND/CONSUMPTION 2. 3 WATER QUALITY MAJOR WATER SECTORS IN PAKISTAN 3. 1 INDUSTRIAL SECTOR 3. 2 AGRICULTURE SECTOR 3. 3 MUNICIPAL SECTOR WATER QUALITY & HEALTH IMPACTS 4. 1 WATER-BORNE DISEASES 4. 2 PREVALANCE OF ARSENIC AND FLOURIDE IN DRINKING WATER 4. 3 IMPLICATIONS OF HEALTH IMPACTS POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK & ITS IMPLEMENTATION STATUS 5. 1 NATIONAL DRINKING WATER POLICY (DRAFT) 5. NATIONAL WATER POLICY (DRAFT) 5. 3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY 2005 5. 4 PAKISTAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (PEPA) 1997 5. 5 PAKISTAN STANDARDS & QUALITY CONTROL AUTHORITY (PSQCA) 5. 6 MID-TERM DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 2005 – 2010 EXISTING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO COMBAT WATER POLLUTION 6. 1 ENFORCEMENT STATUS CONCLUSIONS, POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS AND THE WAY FORWARD REFERENCES 1 1 1 3 3 5 5 7 7 8 8 10 11 11 13 14 14 15 16 16 16 18 20 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. ii ABBREVIATIONS ADB BOD CDA CDWA CDWI CETPs COD CRCP DALYs DHHS EIA EPA FAO FPCCI GDP GoP HWHF IEEM KITE KWSB MAF MGD MSTQ MTDF NDWP NEP NEQS NGO NIH NWFP NWC NWP OICCI PCRWR PEPA

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Asian Development Bank Biological Oxygen Demand Capital Development Authority Clean Drinking Water for All Clean Drinking Water Initiative Common Effluent Treatment Plants Chemical Oxygen Demand Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan Disability Adjusted Life Years Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Protection Agency Food and Agriculture Organization Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gross Domestic Production Government of Pakistan Hazardous Waste Handling Facilities Industrial Efficiency and Environmental Management Korangi Industrial and Trading Estate Karachi Water and Sewerage Board Million Acre Feet Million Gallons per Day Meteorology Standards Testing and Quality Mid Term Development Framework National Drinking Water Policy National Environment Policy National Environmental Quality Standards Non Governmental Organization National Institute of Health North West Frontier Province National Water Council National Water Policy Overseas Investment Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources Pakistan Environmental Protection Act iii PPB PRS PSQCA PWRC RSC SAR SCEA SITE SMART SOE TDS TP UNDP UNICEF USAID US EPA WAPDA WASA WB

Parts Per Billion Poverty Reduction Strategy Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority Provincial Water Regulatory Commission Residual Sodium Carbonate Sodium Absorption Ratio Strategic Country Environmental Assessment Report Sindh Industrial Trading Estate Self Monitoring And Reporting Tool State of the Environment Report (Draft) 2005 Total Dissolved Solids Treatment Plant United Nations Development Programme United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund United States Aid United States Environmental Protection Agency Water And Power Development Authority Water And Sanitation Agency World Bank WB-CWRAS World Bank, Country Water Resources Assistance Strategy WHO WSS World Health Organization Water Supply and Sanitation iv WATER & HEALTH RELATED ISSUES IN PAKISTAN A SPECIAL REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Water is an essential element for our survival. Unfortunately, while Pakistan is blessed with adequate surface and groundwater resources, rapid population growth, urbanization and unsustainable water consumption practices have placed immense stress on the quality as well as the quantity of water resources in the country. Deterioration in water quality and contamination of lakes, rivers and groundwater aquifers has resulted in increased waterborne diseases and other health impacts. Per capita water availability in Pakistan has decreased from 5,000 cubic meters per annum in 1951 to 1,100. The principal source of drinking water for the majority of people in Pakistan is groundwater.

About 80% of the Punjab has fresh groundwater, but in Sindh, less than 30% of groundwater is fresh. In NWFP, increasing abstraction has resulted in wells now reaching into saline layers, and much of Balochistan has saline groundwater. As per Government figures, the Punjab has the best rural water supply amongst the provinces. It is stated that only 7 % of the rural population depends on a dug well or a river, canal or stream. In Sindh, some 24% of the rural population depends on these sources. The rural water supply situation in NWFP and Balochistan is worse; about 46% and 72% respectively of the rural population depend on water from a dug well or from a river/canal/stream.

There is a clear evidence that groundwater in the country is being over-exploited, yet tens of thousands of additional wells are being put into service every year. There is an urgent need to develop policies and approaches for bringing water withdrawal into balance with recharge. A national water quality study was carried out by the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) in 2001. In the first phase of the programme, covering 21 cities, all samples from four cities and half the samples from seventeen cities indicated bacteriological contamination. In addition, arsenic above the WHO limit of 10ppb was found in some samples collected from eight cities.

The same study also indicated how the uncontrolled discharge of industrial effluent has affected surface and groundwater, identifying the presence of lead, chromium and cyanide in groundwater samples from industrial areas of Karachi, and finding the same metals in the Malir and Lyari rivers flowing through Karachi and discharging into the sea. A second PCRWR study was launched in 2004, and preliminary results indicate no appreciable improvement, while a separate study reported that in Sindh almost 95% of shallow groundwater supplies are bacteriologically contaminated. There is very little separation of municipal wastewater from industrial effluent in Pakistan.

Both flow directly into open drains, which then flow into nearby natural water bodies. There is no regular monitoring programme to assess the water quality of the surface and groundwater bodies. There is no surface water quality standard or drinking water quality standard in Pakistan. A comparison of the quality of surface water with the effluent discharge standard clearly demonstrates the extent of pollution in the water bodies due to the discharge of industrial and municipal effluent. About 5. 6 million tonnes of fertilizer and 70 thousand tonnes of pesticides are consumed in the country every year (2003). Pesticide use is increasing annually at a rate of about 6%.

Pesticides, mostly insecticides, sprayed on the crops mix with the irrigation water, which I leaches through the soil and enters groundwater aquifers. In 107 samples of groundwater collected from various locations in the country between 1988 and 2000, 31 samples were found to have contamination of pesticides beyond FAO/WHO safety limits. A pilot project was undertaken in 1990-91 in Samundari, Faisalabad District over an area of 1,000 km2, to look into the extent of groundwater contamination by agrochemicals. In an analysis of 10 groundwater samples drawn from a depth of 10-15 m, seven were contaminated with one or more pesticides (PCRWR, 1991).

As there has been a four-fold increase in the use of pesticide use in the country since 1990, the contamination levels are likely to have increased significantly. It is estimated that 40 million residents depend on irrigation water for their domestic use, especially in areas where the groundwater is brackish. The associated health risks are grave, as bacteriological contamination of irrigation water often exceeds WHO limits even for irrigation. A recent study of 11 cities of Punjab shows an excess of arsenic and fluoride concentrations in the water supply systems of six cities; Multan, Bhawalpur, Shaikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, and Lahore (PCRWR 2004).

Alarmingly, over 2 million people in these cities are drinking unsafe water, some with a high arsenic concentration. Major industrial contributors to water pollution in Pakistan are the petrochemicals, paper and pulp, food processing, tanneries, refineries, textile and sugar industries. Only a marginal number of industries conduct environmental assessments (about 5 % of national industries). The sugarcane based industry, the 2nd largest in the country, is a major cause of industrial water pollution. The problem of industrial water pollution has remained uncontrolled because there have been little or no incentives for industry to treat their effluents.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in water courses receiving these wastes are as high as 800mg/l and Mercury levels over 5 mg/l (Maximum allowable limits as per NEQS for BOD is 80mg/l and for Mercury is 0. 01mg/l). The salinity level of groundwater is increasing. Industrial wastewater including toxic chemicals, organic matter and heavy metals is discharged directly into public sewers without prior treatment. There is reported leaching of wastes into groundwater, causing outbreaks of water-borne diseases. At present, irrigation uses about 93% of the water currently utilized in Pakistan. The links between water quality and health risks are well established. An estimated 250,000 child deaths occur each year in Pakistan due to water-borne diseases.

Apart from the human losses, these diseases are responsible for substantial economic losses. Although they have yet to be enforced, important policies regarding water issues such as the National Water Policy (Draft), National Environment Policy etc. and regulatory framework like the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 exist. Other laws that also relate to pollution prevention of water bodies include the Canal and Drainage Act (1873) and the Punjab Minor Canals Act (1905), which prohibit the corrupting or fouling of canal water; Sindh Fisheries Ordinance (1980), which prohibits the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste into water, and The Greater Lahore Water Supply Sewerage and Drainage Ordinance (1967).

The government has launched a comprehensive nationwide clean drinking water programme under two parallel phases, the ‘Clean Drinking Water Initiative’ (CDWI) and the ‘Clean Drinking Water for All (CDWA) which encompasses 6,579 water treatment plants throughout the country. There are a number of factors which need to be highlighted and addressed in order to improve, protect and maintain the quality of freshwater resources of the country. These factors include; II Government Priorities: the treatment of sewage and industrial effluents is at present a low priority. Land allocated to WASA, Lahore for wastewater treatment is now being disposed of to other organizations for different purposes, which shows the level of commitment from Government authorities to treat wastewater and to improve the quality of freshwater.

There is a need to bring provision of clean water back as a top priority. Rules and Regulations: while unregulated groundwater abstraction is the cause of water depletion, there are no clear guidelines, rules or regulations for groundwater abstraction. In addition, surprisingly, there are also no surface water classification standards in the country. Such rules and regulations must be established at the earliest. Weak Law Enforcement & Compliance: the level of compliance to environmental laws in the country is extremely low, particularly in the industrial and housing sectors, as law enforcement is weak. Strong law enforcement and compliance are necessary for the protection of freshwater resources.

Organisations working in the environmental sector in Pakistan appreciate the recent decision of the Supreme Court demanding that Environmental Tribunals must be functional in all provinces. Water Policy: Even though relevant policies like National Environment Policy, National Water Policy (Draft), National Drinking Water Policy (Draft) etc. are in place, there is no clear strategy devised so far to implement them. A clear and practical strategy needs to be defined to implement these policies. The provision of water and sanitation services in Pakistan is inadequate, inequitable, and highly inefficient. The services are mainly provided by the public sector. These services generally fail to meet water quality standards and are unable to provide adequate sanitation needs of a growing population.

The major reasons why these service providers have failed to perform are; Confusion of social, environmental, commercial, and political aims; Poor management structures operating without clear policy guidelines; High capital investment needs with low or no rate of return; Resistance to achieving full or even partial cost recovery; Decentralized water agencies with service responsibility but few resources; Political interference at most levels of operation; Non-existent regulator; Lack of proper legal framework; Lack of platforms for contribution by concerned citizens. Under these constraints/ existing ground realities in Pakistan, improvements in service delivery of potable water and sanitation must be linked to improvements in the following functions and areas: Defining the policy, aims and objectives clearly; Strengthening of institutions and capacity building; Improving financial sustainability; Making better and more efficient use of funds; Attracting foreign investment by making an environment conducive to it; Better water management practices – reuse, conservation etc. III 1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND Water is an essential element for the survival of all life.

Unfortunately, while Pakistan is blessed with surface and groundwater resources, with the passage of time rapid population growth, urbanization and unsustainable water consumption practices in the agricultural and industrial sectors have placed immense stress on the quality as well as quantity of water resources in the country. According to the Pakistan Strategic Country Environmental Assessment Report 2006 (SCEA 2006), per capita water availability in Pakistan has decreased from 5,000 in 1951 to 1100 cubic meter per annum. The increasing gap between water supply and demand has led to severe water shortage in almost all sectors. As per Ministry of Environment, Draft State of the Environment Report 2005 (SOE 2005), Pakistan stated a population growth rate of 1. 9% in 2004. The projected figures for 2010 and 2025 have reached 173 million and 221 million respectively.

These estimates suggest that the country will slip below the limit of 1000 cubic meters of water per capita per year from 2010 onwards. The situation could get worse in areas situated outside the Indus basin where the annual average is already below 1000m3 per head (SOE 2005). In Pakistan, water remains a critical resource for sustained well being of its citizens. The water shortages and increasing competition for multiple uses of water has adversely affected the quality of water, consequently, water pollution has become a serious problem in Pakistan. It is now established that most of the reported health problems are directly or indirectly related to polluted water.

Pakistan is already one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, a situation which is going to degrade into outright water scarcity (WB). This special report presents the existing status of water quality and quantity in Pakistan and establishes the linkages between water quality and its associated health effects. In conclusion, some urgent actions are recommended to improve the situation. 2. CURRENT SITUATION / ISSUES OF WATER IN PAKISTAN The stress on water resources of the country is from multiple sources. Rapid urbanization, increased industrial activity and dependence of the agricultural sector on chemicals and fertilizers have led to water pollution.

Deterioration in water quality and contamination of lakes, rivers and groundwater aquifers has, therefore, resulted in increased water borne diseases and negative impacts on human health. 2. 1 WATER AVAILABILITY Water availability on a per capita basis has been declining at an alarming rate. It has been decreased from about 5,000 cubic meters per capita in 1951 to about 1,100 cubic metes currently, which is just above the internationally recognized scarcity rate. It is projected that water availability will be less than 700 cubic meters per capita by 2025 (Pak-SCEA 2006). The principal source of drinking water for the majority in Pakistan is groundwater. Most of the rural areas and many major cities rely on it, although some cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, Hyderabad etc. , get water from a number of other sources. 1

About 80% of Punjab has fresh groundwater, with some saline water in the south and in desert areas. There is also some evidence of high fluoride or arsenic content locally in Punjab. A number of locations have also been contaminated by industrial wastewater discharges. In Sindh, less than 30% of groundwater is fresh. Much of the province is underlain by highly brackish water and some instances of elevated fluoride levels. In NWFP, increasing abstraction has resulted in wells now reaching into saline layers, and much of Balochistan also has saline groundwater (Pak-SCEA 2006). As per government figures, Punjab has the best rural water supply amongst the provinces.

The vast majority of the rural population has either piped water or water from a hand pump or motor pump. It is stated that only 7 % of the rural population depends on a dug well or a river, canal or stream. The situation in Sindh is considerably worse: some 24% of the rural population depend on these sources. The situation in rural Sindh also appears to have deteriorated. The rural water supply situation in NWFP is worse still, and is worst of all in Balochistan. In these two provinces, 46% and 72% of the rural population, respectively, depend on water from a dug well or from a river/canal/stream (SOE 2005). Over 60% of the population gets their drinking water from hand or motor pumps, with the figure in rural areas being over 70%.

This figure is lower in Sindh, where the groundwater quality is generally saline and an estimated 24% of the rural population gets water from surface water or dug wells. In almost all urban centres, groundwater quantity and quality has deteriorated to the extent that the availability of good quality raw water has become a serious issue. Over abstraction has also resulted in declining groundwater levels (Pak-SCEA 2006). Uncontrolled extraction of groundwater and extended dry periods has also caused its depletion and drying up of some of the sources. A study in Kirther shows that the water table has dropped by 3 meters per year on average. The drying up of wells has important social consequences, particularly on the women and children responsible for water collection.

In Islamabad, the drop has been 50 feet between 1986 and 2001 while in Lahore the drop has been about 20 feet between 1993 and 2001. Estimates show that without an artificial recharging, groundwater in the sub basin of Quetta would be exhausted by 2016. (SOE 2005) It is important to note that although, there is a clear evidence that groundwater is being over-exploited, yet tens of thousands of additional wells are being put into service every year. Pakistan has now entered an era in which laissez-faire becomes an enemy rather than a friend. There is an urgent need to develop policies and approaches for bringing water withdrawals into balance with recharge.

Since much groundwater recharge in the Indus Basin is from canals, this requires an integrated approach to surface and groundwater. There is little evidence that government and/or donors have re-engineered their capacity and funding to deal with this great challenge. The delay is fatal in this situation, because the longer it takes to develop such actions, the greater would become the depth of the groundwater table, and the higher would be the costs of the “equilibrium” solution. (WB, CWRAS 2005) 2 Per Capita Water Availability Year Population (million) 1951 34 1961 46 1971 65 1981 84 1991 115 2000 148 2013 207 2025 267 Source: Draft State of Environment Report 2005 Per Capita Availability (m3) 5300 3950 2700 2100 1600 1200 850 659

The water shortage in the agriculture sector is another serious issue. As per SOE 2005, the shortage has been estimated at 29% for the year 2010 and 33% for 2025. In addition, uncontrolled harvesting of groundwater for irrigation purposes has also led to severe environmental problems. Today groundwater contributes a mere 48% of the water available. The construction of private wells for irrigation has also been promoted through a policy of high subsidy on electricity cost. The hike in the cost of electricity in 1990s, and the development of new technologies have led to a considerable increase of diesel pumps whose numbers have grown 6 times over the last 30 years. (SOE 2005) 2. WATER DEMAND/CONSUMPTION According to the National Water Policy (NWP), at present, irrigation uses about 93% of the water currently utilized in Pakistan. The rest is used for supplies to urban and rural populations and industry. However, as mentioned earlier, Pakistan’s population is set to increase by 221 million by the year 2025, the percentage of water required, particularly for urban water supply, is set to increase dramatically. This will place further pressure on water resources which are already deficient in meeting demands across all sectors (NWP). Pakistan’s Water Scenario Year Availability Requirement(including drinking water) Overall Shortfall 2004 104 MAF 115 MAF 11 MAF 2025 104 MAF 135 MAF 31 MAF

Source: Ten Year Perspective Development Plan 2001-11, Planning Commission It is observed that the expanding imbalance between supply and demand has not only led to water shortages but also initiated an unhealthy competition amongst endusers, which is ultimately causing environmental degradation in the form of persistent increase in water logging in certain areas, decline of groundwater levels in other areas, intrusion of saline water into fresh groundwater reservoirs, etc. (NWP). 2. 3 WATER QUALITY Domestic waste containing household effluent and human waste is either discharged directly to a sewer system, a natural drain or water body, a nearby field or an internal septic tank. It is estimated that only some 8% of urban wastewater is treated in municipal treatment plants. The treated wastewater generally flows into open drains, 3 and there are no provisions for reuse of the treated wastewater for agriculture or other municipal uses. Table below shows ten large urban centres of the country, which produce more than 60% of the total urban wastewater including household, industrial and commercial wastewater. WB-CWRAS Paper 3, 2005) Wastewater Produced Annually by Towns and Cities Urban Population (1998 Census) 5,143,495 Total Wastewater Produced (million m3/y) 287 City % of Total % Treated Receiving Water Body River Ravi, irrigation canals, vegetable farms River Ravi, River Faisalabad 2,008,861 129 5. 6 25. 6 Chenab and vegetable farms SCARP drains, Gujranwala 1,132,509 71 3. 1 vegetable farms River Soan and Rawalpinidi 1,409,768 40 1. 8 vegetable farms Sheikhupura 870,110 15 0. 7 – SCARP drains River Chenab, irrigation canals Multan 1,197,384 66 2. 9 and vegetable farms River Ravi, irrigation canals Sialkot 713,552 19 0. 8 and vegetable farms Karachi 9,339,023 604 26. 3 15. 9 Arabian Sea River Indus, Hyderabad 1,166,894 51 2. 2 34. 0 irrigation canals and SCARP drains Peshawar 982,816 52 2. 3 36. Kabul River Other 19,475,588 967 41. 8 0. 7 Total Urban 43,440,000 2,301 100. 0 7. 7 Source: Master Plan for Urban Wastewater (Municipal and Industrial) Treatment Facilities in Pakistan. Final Report, Lahore: Engineering, Planning and Management Consultants, 2002 Lahore 12. 5 0. 01 Another important aspect is that there is very little separation of municipal wastewater from industrial effluent in Pakistan. Both flow directly into open drains, which then flow into nearby natural water bodies. There is no regular monitoring programme to assess the water quality of the surface and groundwater bodies. There is no surface water quality standard in Pakistan.

A comparison of the quality of surface water with the effluent discharge standard clearly demonstrates the extent of pollution in the water bodies due to the discharge of industrial and municipal effluent. (WB-CWRAS Paper 3, 2005) There is also no regular monitoring of drinking water quality. A national water quality study was carried out by the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources 4 (PCRWR) in 2001. In the first phase of the programme, covering 21 cities, all samples from four cities, and half the samples from seventeen cities indicated bacteriological contamination. In addition, arsenic above the WHO limit of 10 ppb was found in some samples collected from eight cities.

The same study also indicated how the uncontrolled discharge of industrial effluent has affected surface and groundwater, identifying the presence of lead, chromium and cyanide in groundwater samples from industrial areas of Karachi, and finding the same metals in the Malir and Lyari rivers flowing through Karachi and discharging into the Arabian Sea. A second PCRWR study was launched in 2004, and preliminary results indicate no appreciable improvement, while a separate study reported that in Sindh almost 95% of shallow groundwater supplies are bacteriologically contaminated (Pak-SECA 2006). Water samples collected from Karachi harbour have also revealed the presence of trace metals in concentrations far exceeding any other major harbour in the World. About 5. 6 million tonnes of fertilizer and 70 thousand tonnes of pesticides (GoP, 2003) are consumed in the country every year. Pesticide use is increasing annually at a rate of about 6%.

Pesticides, mostly insecticides, sprayed on the crops mix with the irrigation water, which leaches through the soil and enters groundwater aquifers. In 107 samples of groundwater collected from various locations in the country between 1988 and 2000, 31 samples were found to have contamination of pesticides beyond FAO/WHO safety limits. A pilot project was undertaken in 1990-91 in Samundari, Faisalabad District, over an area of 1,000 km2, to look into the extent of groundwater contamination by agrochemicals. In an analysis of ten groundwater samples drawn from a depth of 10-15 m, seven were contaminated with one or more pesticides (PCRWR, 1991).

The study concluded that the contamination had reached only the shallow aquifers; however, there were evidences that it was gradually reaching the deeper aquifers as well. As there has been a four-fold increase in the use of pesticide use in the country since 1990, the contamination levels are likely to have increased significantly (WB-CWRAS Paper 3, 2005). In addition to municipal and industrial effluents, contamination of groundwater by arsenic is also becoming a serious problem. In Sindh and the Punjab, approximately 36% of the population is exposed to a level of contamination higher than 10ppb and 16% is exposed to contamination of 50ppb. SOE 2005) Due to impact of water shortage and accompanying pollution, many wild animals, plants, aquatic species, birds and other forms of flora and fauna are also affected. The biodiversity in Sindh is particularly at risk as biotic potential of many species is starting to be diminished, and they may be lost for ever if the environmental devastation due to water shortage is not reversed or properly controlled. (SOE 2006) 3. 3. 1 MAJOR WATER SECTORS IN PAKISTAN INDUSTRIAL SECTOR The pressures on water resources due to industrial growth are quite significant and have increased water pollution problems. According to the SOE 2005, only a marginal number of industries conduct environmental assessments (about 5 % of national industries).

The national quality standards specifying permissible limits of wastewater are seldom adhered to. Most industries in the country are located in or around major cities and are recognized as key sources of increasing pollution in natural streams, rivers, as well as the Arabian Sea to which the toxic effluents are discharged. The contamination of shallow groundwater near industrial plants has 5 been an area of concern as groundwater pollution is often long-term and it may take hundreds or even thousands of years for pollutants such as toxic metals from the tanneries to be flushed out of a contaminated aquifer. (SOE 2005) In Pakistan, only 1% of wastewater is treated by industries before being discharged directly into rivers and drains.

For example in NWFP, 80,000 m3 of industrial effluents containing a very high level of pollutants are discharged every day into the river Kabul causing observable incidence of skin diseases, decrease in agricultural productivity and decrease in fish population (SOE 2005). Major industrial contributors to water pollution in Pakistan are petrochemicals, paper and pulp, food processing, tanneries, refineries, textile and sugar industries. The industrial sub-sectors of paper and board, sugar, textile, cement, polyester yarn, and fertilizer produce more than 80% of the total industrial effluents (WB-CWRAS Paper 3, 2005) The sugarcane based industry, the 2nd largest in the country, is a major cause of industrial water pollution due to discharge of wastewater containing high pollutant concentrations.

There are now 76 factories in the country and the installed capacity is 360,000 tonnes of sugar per day. Several hundred thousand cubic meter of wastewater is generated per day. This wastewater is most often discharged directly into the drains or rivers. In Hyderabad for example, wastewater from the sugarcane industry is discharged directly into the drains without any prior treatment. Only 2 industries in Sindh (out of 34) have installed mechanisms for wastewater treatment mainly because of international pressure as these industries (distilleries) export their products (SOE 2005). The leather tanneries are another major source of large-scale water pollution.

The construction of a common wastewater treatment plant in the Korangi industrial area, in Karachi, co-financed by the government (export promotion council) and the embassy of Netherlands, was started by the tanneries jointly in 2003. Out of 170 tanneries concerned, 85 are not part of this scheme (SOE 2005). Another source of water pollution is the textile industry. Due to its size, it is at the top of the list in terms of generating environmentally damaging pollutants (SOE 2005). The problem of industrial water pollution remained uncontrolled because there have been little or no incentives for Industry to treat their effluents. Although, rules and regulations exist but lack of implementation and absence of proper monitoring and policing has resulted in problem persisting. WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005) Throughout Pakistan, the industrial approach towards environment is the same; In Lahore, only 3 out of some 100 industries using hazardous chemicals treat their wastewater. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in water courses receiving these wastes are as high as 800mg/l and Mercury levels over 5 mg/l. Consequently hundreds of tons of fish are killed causing a loss of millions of rupees. (WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005) 6 In Karachi, Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) and Korangi Industrial and Trading Estate (KITE), two of the biggest industrial estates in Pakistan, there is no effluent treatment plant and the waste containing hazardous materials, heavy metals, oil etc. s discharged into rivers and the already polluted harbour. The industrial pollution discharges combined with mangrove forest ecosystem degradation are resulting in a decrease in shrimp and fish production. (WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005) In Faisalabad, one of the biggest industrial cities, there is little segregation of domestic and industrial wastes. Groundwater is being polluted and its salinity level is increasing. Industrial wastewater including toxic chemicals, organic matter and heavy metals is discharged directly into public sewers without prior treatment. There is reported leaching of wastes into groundwater causing outbreaks of water borne diseases.

There is, however, a waste stabilization pond treatment plant, treating some 20mg/day of flow, but its operational efficiency is not known as there is no regular monitoring. (WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005) In Multan, a fertilizer factory discharges its waste untreated to cultivated land causing death of livestock and increasing health risk to humans. (WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005) 3. 2 AGRICULTURE SECTOR According to the information provided in the National Water Policy (NWP), the irrigation network of Pakistan is the largest infrastructural enterprise accounting for approximately $ 300 billion of investment (at current rates) and contributing nearly 25% to the country’s GDP. Irrigated agriculture provides 90 % of food and fibre requirements while “barani” (rain fed) area contributes the remaining 10 % (NWP).

At present, irrigation uses about 93% of the water currently utilized in Pakistan. The rest is used for supplies to urban and rural populations and industry (NWP). In addition to the study of PCRWR on groundwater contamination due to pesticides and fertilizers mentioned earlier under section 2. 3, another study by WAPDA on the situation of pollutants in the drainage system of Pakistan was conducted in April 2004. The study revealed that in Punjab all drains were carrying saline and sodic waters due to high values of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) or Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and all of them also had very high values for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).

The data for Sindh and Balochistan showed that majority of drains had very high saline waters due to high values of TDS and in Shahdad Kot drain this reached as high as 13,187ppm during 2002. In addition, the COD values were higher than the permissible limits and at some sampling points these even surpassed the high levels recorded for Punjab and NWFP (SOE 2005). The contribution of agricultural drainage to the overall contamination of the water resources exists but is marginal compared to the industrial and domestic pollution. For example, in Sindh, the pollution of water due to irrigation is only 3. 21% of the total pollution (SOE 2005). 3. MUNICIPAL SECTOR Most surface water pollution is associated with urban centres. Typically, nullahs and storm water drains collect and carry untreated sewage which then flows into streams, rivers and irrigation canals, resulting in widespread bacteriological and other contamination. It has been estimated that around 2,000 million gallons of sewage is being discharged to surface water bodies every day (Pak-SCEA 2006). 7 Although there are some sewerage collection systems, typically discharging to the nearest water body, collection levels are estimated to be no greater than 50% nationally (less than 20% in many rural areas), with only about 10% of collected sewage effectively treated.

Although treatment facilities exist in about a dozen major cities, in some cases these have been built without the completion of associated sewerage networks, and the plants are often either under loaded or abandoned. In effect, only a few percent of the total wastewater generated receives adequate treatment before discharge to the waterways. (Pak-SCEA 2006) 4. WATER QUALITY & HEALTH IMPACTS The poor quality of water, especially of that which is commonly consumed, has major socioeconomic consequences for Pakistan. The high pollution level of rivers and groundwater has led to different environmental consequences such as reduction of biodiversity, increase in water related diseases, and decrease in agricultural productivity.

In addition, mismanagement of water resources has strong socioeconomic repercussions, especially on food security and health (SOE 2005). It is also important to note that although groundwater is still the primary source of drinking water supplies, it is estimated that 40 million residents depend on irrigation water for their domestic use, especially in areas where the groundwater is brackish. The associated health risks are grave, as bacteriological contamination of irrigation water often exceeds WHO limits even for irrigation. The poor quality of drinking water has major socioeconomic consequences for Pakistan (Pak-SECA 2006). Hudiara Drain, Lahore

A recent study of eleven cities of Punjab shows an excess of arsenic and fluoride concentrations in water supply systems of six cities; Multan, Bhawalpur, Shaikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, and Lahore (PCRWR 2004). UNICEF has also conducted studies and concluded that the population of Punjab in the main cities is exposed to high arsenic concentrations. A similar study by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on quality of sub-soil water in 14 districts of Punjab revealed that 85% of samples tested were unfit for human consumption. Alarmingly, over two million people are drinking unsafe water, some with high arsenic concentration (WBCWRAS Paper 8, 2005) The quality of water in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi is no better than the rest of the country.

A survey carried out by National Institute of Health (NIH), revealed that 75% of water in Islamabad and 87% in Rawalpindi is unsafe for human consumption (WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005). 4. 1 WATER-BORNE DISEASES As per USAID report, an estimated 250,000 child deaths occur each year in Pakistan due to water-borne disease. (http://www. usaid. gov/stories/pakistan/fp_pakistan_water. html) 8 The links between water quality and health risks are well established. Inadequate quantity and quality of potable water and poor sanitation facilities and practices are associated with a host of illnesses such as diarrhoea, typhoid, intestinal worms and hepatitis. It is estimated that more than 1. million DALYs1 (Disability Adjusted Life Years) are lost annually as a result of death and disease due to diarrhoea, and almost 900,000 as a result of typhoid. Diarrhoeal and Boy living near Hudiara Drain, typhoid mortality in children accounts for the bulk of Lahore the losses, reflecting the vulnerability of children to these diseases. From a policy perspective the more informative estimate is presented in the Figure below, which summarizes the costs of water related mortality and morbidity. The total health costs are estimated at Rs 114 billion, or approximately 1. 81 percent of GDP. The high proportions of costs due to premature child deaths, followed by the mortality impacts of typhoid in the older population are striking (PakSCEA 2006).

A study conducted by UNICEF found that 20-40% of the hospital beds in Pakistan are occupied by patients suffering from water-related diseases, such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery and hepatitis, which are responsible for one third of all deaths (Pak-SCEA 2006). Figure: Estimated Cost from Water Related Mortality and Morbidity (Rs. billion per annum) Source: Pakistan Strategic Country Environmental Assessment Report, May 2006 1 DALYs are a standard measure that combines disparate health effects using a consistent common denominator. DALYs adjust the years of healthy life lost to illness and premature mortality, with a weighting function that corrects for the impacts of death and illness at different ages.

Though DALYs provide a useful summary measure of the physical effects of illness and death, they provide little information about the economic consequences of ill-health. 9 Health Effects Due to Water Borne Diseases as Published in National Newspapers A number of articles have been written in national newspapers regarding water borne diseases in the country. Article on “Water-borne diseases on the rise in Multan” published on February 04, 2006 in “The News” reflects that the continuous use of contaminated drinking water, due to rusting and leakage of very old underground drinking water supply pipes, is causing widespread cases of ulcer, cholera, acute dehydration, diarrhea, intestinal problems in Multan city.

An official report revealed that contaminated drinking water carrying bacteria and virus both in public water supply and private sources has been causing chronic water borne diseases hepatitis and gastroenteritis in city areas due to leakage of damaged pipes by ex-filtration and infiltration. Multan Nishtar Hospital statistics revealed reporting of more than 295 deaths due to water-born diseases besides registration of 46166 cases of chronic diseases, 5921 cases with civil hospital, and 7689 cases with municipal dispensaries in this connection. 50 % of the population of Multan city, total 1. 780 million, has been waiting for fresh drinking water from contaminated sources.

Experts’ sources disclosed that average daily demand of drinking water was 89 million gallon (MGD) and maximum demand was 133. 50 MGD but water production in a day was just 62. 28 MGD. Thus the average shortage is 26. 28 MGD and maximum shortage is 71. 22 MGD on daily basis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had recommended a comprehensive plan for continuous freshwater supply to Multan’s population in 1999 but the implementation upon the recommendations or groundwork could not be initiated till today. According to recommended design, an additional 124 tube-wells of 5 cusec costing Rs 140 million were to be installed but so far these have not been installed.

President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf has said that up to 60% diseases in Pakistan are water borne and there would be a tremendous amount of saving in monetary terms if safe drinking water is made available to the people. “This would help control almost 60% of diseases in the country,” he said, adding that it would also help ease the load on hospitals, basic health centres and rural health centres. http://southasia. oneworld. net/article/view/137648/1/ http://www. thenews. com. pk/daily_detail. asp? id=19306 4. 2 PREVALANCE OF ARSENIC AND FLOURIDE IN DRINKING WATER Arsenic is a tasteless, odourless inorganic element that occurs naturally in rocks, minerals and soils. It is also present in trace amounts in all living organisms.

Arsenic can also be released into the environment from sources such as pesticides applications, wood preservatives, mining activities and petroleum refining. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), USA has determined that arsenic is a known carcinogen. Breathing inorganic arsenic increases the risk of lung cancer. Ingesting inorganic arsenic increases the risk of skin cancer and tumours of the bladder, kidney, liver and lung. Arsenic poisoning can happen in two ways; acute poisoning results from ingesting a large amount of arsenic in a short time, while ingestion of small amounts of arsenic over long time periods leads to chronic 10 poisoning.

According to US-EPA, the following diseases are suspected to be caused or aggravated by arsenic in drinking water; Cancer of lungs, bladder, skin, prostate, kidney, nose and liver Still births Post neonatal mortality Ischemic heart diseases (heart attack) Diabetes mellitus Nephritis (chronic inflammation of kidneys) Nephrosis (degenerative kidney diseases) Hypertension, hypersensitive heart diseases Emphysema, bronchitis Chronic airway obstruction Lymphoma (tumours in the lymph) Black foot disease and development deficit. Considering the adverse effects of inorganic arsenic on human health, several investigations have been carried out in Pakistan. The first investigation on arsenic in groundwater was undertaken in the Attock and Rawalpindi Districts of Pakistan in 2000 jointly by PCRWR and UNICEF. The second detailed investigation was initiated by PCRWR through its National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. The investigations revealed the presence of excessive arsenic in many cities of Punjab (Multan, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Kasur, Gujranwala & Bahawalpur) and some cities of Sindh (Dadu & Khairpur) provinces.

The concentration of arsenic was found to be 50 ppb in most of the samples, which is almost five times higher that the prescribed limit of 10 ppb by WHO. (PCRWR) 4. 3 IMPLICATIONS OF HEALTH IMPACTS A study carried out by UNICEF has revealed that 20 to 40% of the hospital beds were occupied by patients suffering form water related diseases. Diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery and hepatitis, are responsible for 33% of deaths. Irrigation water does not satisfy the quality standard which leads to contamination of vegetables cultivated in certain regions further increasing the risk of human health. (SOE 2005) Poor water and sanitation is a major public health concern. Water borne diseases are responsible for substantial human and economic losses.

These include loss of millions of working hours of productivity annually, and associated costs for health care. Sickness of the main bread earner can have a severe economic impact on a poor household, and in case of contagious diseases, may even affect the whole community. Reduction in the occurrence of water borne diseases will go a long way in the efforts to alleviate poverty. In rural areas especially women will be primary beneficiaries of improved water supply and sanitation through health, productivity and safety related impacts. Hence sanitation, water quality and quantity, and public awareness and education are of prime importance to Pakistan in implementing its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). (WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005) 5.

POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK & ITS IMPLEMENTATION STATUS Important policies regarding water issues such as the National Water Policy, National Environment Policy etc. and regulatory framework like Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 are discussed in this section. Other existing laws that also relate to pollution prevention of water bodies include Canal and Drainage Act (1873) and the Punjab Minor Canals Act (1905), which prohibit the corrupting or fouling of canal 11 water, Sindh Fisheries Ordinance (1980), which prohibits the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste in water, and The Greater Lahore Water Supply Sewerage and Drainage Ordinance (1967). PAKISTAN Pakistan Debates New Water and Sanitation Policies http://www. asiawaterwire. et/node/243 By Irfan Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Asia Water Wire) – For the first time in almost six decades, Pakistan has put together two major policies related with water use and conservation. The National Drinking Water Policy (NDWP) and the National Sanitation Policy (NSP) will become official upon cabinet approval. The main goal of the water policy is to assure safe drinking water to all “at an affordable cost in an equitable, efficient and sustainable manner” and to reduce mortality and morbidity caused by water-borne diseases. “The draft has been prepared after consulting stakeholders,” says Dr. Javed Iqbal, Director, Pakistan Environment Protection Agency. The draft has been formulated after extensive consultations with stakeholders. ” The policy draft, however, has yet to satisfy all consumer rights advocates who say there are many issues – such as rehabilitation of dysfunctional schemes, inequities in access, modes of levying of user charges and locations where filtration plants are to be installed – that need further debate. The Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP), an NGO, says every fifth Pakistani child under the age of five suffers from water-borne diseases and that any new policy should be able to change the situation. The CRCP adds that roughly 50 percent of mortality and 20 to 40 percent of hospital admissions are also caused by water-borne diseases.

According to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2004 the under-five infant mortality rate in Pakistan was 101 per 1,000 live births. The estimated number of annual under-five child deaths was 478,000. The water policy introduces the idea of raising user fees for cost recovery but stops short of privatising water supply – triggering another debate between advocates and supporters of privatisation. “It is regrettable that the policy has out rightly rejected privatisation,” says Ele Jan Saaf, General Director of Saaf Consult B. V. , a water management consultancy. “I don’t understand why drinking water has been kept outside the ambit of privatisation. ” Others support the new policy stance. I am not against privatization of water, provided we also have strong and independent regulations,” said Moshin Babbar, project coordinator at the Network of Consumer Protection. Babbar adds that privatising water would not work with the weak governance – not to talk about Pakistan’s poor track record of implementing plans and policies. The centrally formulated water policy makes provincial governments responsible for the service through special agencies that would be created in the cities and district- 12 sub divisions. This “cure-all” approach is what social activists say will not work. “A single policy with fixed parameters can not be implemented in deserts and green areas,” said Agha Shakeel, an anthropologist and a water rights campaigner. “We need policies for each tehsil (sub-district) or at east at the district level,” he added. The NDWP seeks to install water filtration plants at all the districts and village level by next year, and aims to provide safe drinking water to all by 2015. Government officials say both the draft policies can be revised to accommodate concerns of NGOs working on water issues. “The policy will be revised in the light of comments we receive from stakeholders,” said Jawed Ali Khan, at the policy coordination and environmental governance unit at the environment ministry. The other policy – NSP – acknowledges the lack of proper sanitation facilities and public toilets, and suggests ways to change the situation.

According to UNICEF, in 2002 only 54 percent of Pakistanis had access to “adequate” sanitation facilities, but most of those with access were urban residents (92 percent). In the villages, only 35 percent had access to sanitation facilities. 5. 1 NATIONAL DRINKING WATER POLICY (Draft) The National Drinking Water Policy (NDWP) provides a framework for addressing the key issues and challenges facing Pakistan in the provision of safe drinking water to the people. The overall goal of NDWP is; To ensure safe drinking water to the entire population at an affordable cost in an equitable, efficient and sustainable manner. To ensure reduction in the incidence of mortality and morbidity caused by water borne diseases. There are a number of objectives set in the policy.

The key objectives are; To provide a supportive policy and legal framework that facilitates access of all citizens to safe drinking water on a sustainable basis To provide guidelines that will allow consistency and conformity between the drinking water policy and the overall water sector policy, environmental policy, health policy and drinking water quality standards that will facilitate the provision of safe water to all. A number of policy principals has also been provided in the policy document few important of them are; To recognize that access to safe drinking water is the basic human right of every citizen and that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure its provision to all citizens The right to water for drinking takes precedence over rights for water for all other uses such as environment, agriculture, industry etc. Water treatment will be an integral part of all drinking water supply schemes – 13

Key targets have also been set in the policy to achieve the said goals, main targets includes; To provide safe drinking water to 93% of the population by 2015 To provide at least one hand pump or spot source for every 250 persons To establish district and tehsil level water filtration plants by 2007 To establish water treatment plants in all urban areas by the year 2015 To ensure that water quality standards are approved and a system of surveillance, testing, monitoring and disseminating information regarding water quality is in place by 2007 5. 2 NATIONAL WATER POLICY (Draft) The top priority of the National Water Policy (NWP), approved recently by the Federal Government, is the provision of safe drinking water for all, along with hygienic sanitation for urban and rural populations.

The NWP establishes important basic principles including protection of sources, monitoring and maintenance of drinking water quality, and progressive upgrading of facilities for the provision of water and sanitation, on a sustainable basis. It provides a framework within which to establish a single set of rules and regulations for Pakistan’s future water management. In accordance with the NWP, the government has decided to form a National Water Council (NWC) to take decisions on water-related issues and inter-provincial conflicts. At the provincial level, Provincial Water Regulatory Commissions (PWRC) will be set up to handle all water-related provincial matters, including domestic water and sanitation. One of the key roles of the NWP and PWRCs will be to provide advice and support to lower levels of government to help them in the improved delivery of water and anitation services. “By 2025, Pakistan should have adequate water available, through proper conservation and development. Water supplies should be of good quality, equitably distributed and meet the needs of all users through an efficient management, institutional and legal system that would ensure sustainable utilization of the water resources and support economic and social development with due consideration to the environment, quality of life, economic value of resources, ability to pay and participation of all stakeholders” (NWP). It is clear that drinking water has a very high priority attached to it both in terms of quantity as well as quality.

In order to achieve a financially sustainable urban water supply sector, it recognizes the need to promote private investment as well as the need to make efficiency improvements by reducing non-revenue water (NWP). The Policy also recognizes the deteriorating water quality in surface and groundwaters and the fact that water supplied by various service providers does not meet any international or national standards for potable water. There is an urgent need to address water pollution of both surface water and groundwater aquifers. The Policy in this respect highlights the need to initiate a study to establish and implement a National Water Quality Monitoring Programme which will establish water quality standards for potable water and develop regulations for effluent disposal (NWP). 5. 3

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY 2005 The National Environment Policy (NEP) aims to protect, conserve and restore Pakistan’s environment in order to improve the quality of life of the citizens through sustainable development. 14 The objectives of the Policy are: (a) Conservation, restoration and efficient management of environmental resources. (b) Integration of environmental considerations in policy making and planning processes. (c) Capacity building of government agencies and other stakeholders at all levels for better environmental management. (d) Meeting international obligations effectively in line with the national aspirations. (e) Creation of a demand for environment through mass awareness and community mobilization.

The NEP also address the issues of clean drinking water and gave certain recommendations in order to provide sustainable access to safe water supply and effectively manage and conserve the country’s water resources. The recommendations are to: (a) Develop a legal and policy framework for promotion of safe drinking water in Pakistan. (b) Increase coverage of water supply and water treatment facilities. (c) Establish a water quality monitoring and surveillance system. (d) Make installation of water treatment plants as an integral component of all drinking water supply schemes. . (e) Promote low-cost water treatment technologies at the community and household levels. (f) Promote appropriate technologies for rain water harvesting in rural as well as urban areas. (g) Encourage artificial recharge of groundwater in arid and semi arid areas. h) Promote metering of water consumption to discourage the indiscriminate use of water for industrial and municipal purposes. (i) Enact Water Conservation Act and relevant standards to foster water conservation. (j) Promote integrated watershed management. (k) Monitor sustained freshwater flows into the marine eco-systems. (l) Establish standards for classification of surface water bodies. (m) Launch phased programmes for clean up and gradual up-gradation of the quality of water bodies. 5. 4 PAKISTAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (PEPA) 1997 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, (PEPA) 1997 describes the functions of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

PEPA, 1997 advises EPA to “Establish standards for discharge or emission of the ambient air, water and soil, coordinate environmental policies and programmes, nationally and internationally, designate laboratories for conducting tests and analysis for surveillance, monitoring, measurement, examination, investigation, research, inspections and audits to prevent and control pollution and estimate the cost of cleaning up and rehabilitation”. Regulatory provisions of PEPA, 1997, related to pollution control under section 11 prohibit discharge or emission of effluent, waste, air pollutant or noise in excess of the NEQS, or the established ambient standards of air, water and land. Article 3. 15. 2 of PEPA, 1997 gives the detail of the NEQS for municipal and liquid industrial effluents of the physical and chemical parameters into inland waters, sewage treatment plants and the sea. 15 5. 5

PAKISTAN STANDARDS & QUALITY CONTROL AUTHORITY (PSQCA) The development of Meteorology, Standards Testing and Quality (MSTQ) infrastructure provides an essential component for industrial development in a country. Feeling this need, the Government of Pakistan established the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), through Act No. VI of 1996. The implementation of this Act has commenced with the appointment of a Director General for PSQCA on 1st December 2000. The three organizations; Pakistan Standards Institution (now SDC), Central Testing Laboratories (now QCC) and Metal Industries Research and Development centre (now TSC) have already been merged in PSQCA to provide a one window for standardization, quality control and other technical services. 5. 6

MID-TERM DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 2005 – 2010 The Mid-Term Development Framework (MTDF) 2005 – 10 has been prepared by the Federal Planning Commission with the long-term objective of attaining sustainable economic growth without environmental degradation. It identifies the country’s specific priorities and addresses them within the framework of comprehensive national strategies for sustainable development as well as Millennium Development Goals, Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and Water, Energy, Health, Agriculture and Biodiversity framework. The MTDF notes that Pakistan is conscious that pursuit of growth and development has placed a heavy burden on sustainability for now and the foreseeable future.

It notes that significant progress has been made in developing the environmental policy and regulatory framework, development of environmental institutions and raising awareness but that the current cost of environmental degradation is still considerably higher. The MTDF emphasizes the integration of environment into all development efforts and policy formulation processes of cross cutting sectors of the economy and prioritizes the following issues that need to be addressed immediately, if Pakistan is to reverse the ecological imbalance. These include: pollution of air and water, climate change, ozone depletion, deforestation, desertification and vanishing biodiversity land degradation, lack of waste management, lack of urban land use planning and zoning. Carrying out Strategic Environmental Assessment in the development planning process is considered a pre-requisite in the MTDF.

The MTDF also provides environmental indicators as well as future targets. A major MTDF initiative taken by the Government is the provision of clean drinking water to almost entire population of the country. A Clean Drinking Water for All Programme would be implemented to complete by 2008 by installing the standardized water purification plants at convenient places (mosques, schools, hospitals, dispensaries, police stations, petrol pumps and fire stations) in urban and rural areas. A provision of Rs. 10 billion has been made under the MTDF to implement it with participatory approaches and active involvement of the Local Governments, who will become owner of the plants. Rs. billion have been earmarked at Federal level to immediately commence the implementation of this Program by the Ministry of Environment. (www. pakistan. gov. pk/ministries/environment-ministry/media/mtdf. htm) 6. EXISTING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO COMBAT WATER POLLUTION As water is relatively cheap and there is no effluent discharge policing, businesses have little incentive to save or conserve water. The more water it uses the more wastewater it generates. Water conservation and better in-house management 16 practices are an important “first steps” in controlling pollution. It is also important to note that NEQS specify only the concentration of effluents and thereby there is an incentive to use more water and dilute the effluents.

However, with the passage of time, metered water supply at realistic costs will ensure there is incentive for the industry to improve its in-house water management (WB-CWRAS Paper 8, 2005). Until November 2002, there was no quality standard for drinking water. As a result of lobbying with the Ministry of Science and Technology, Pak-EPA and by an NGO ‘The Network’, standards were issued but their application was not mandatory. Moreover, even after the standards were established, they were not communicated to the suppliers (in this instance the tehsils) until another campaign was launched by the civil society. These standards are currently being revised and the Government has set up an advisory committee to reformulate the policy.

There are various possibilities of intervention in the water sector but actions must be consistent with the objectives of the Government as well as the private sector for mutual benefit (SOE 2005). In Karachi, supply of water to the areas not covered by the pipeline network is carried out with the help of tankers. These trucks get water from the public provider or the private suppliers licensed by Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB). However, there are many illegal suppliers who obtain connection to the public networks through fraudulent means. They are located on the banks of the highly polluted river Liyari and mix the water drawn from the river with the water from the public network before reselling it.

Theoretically, different colours distinguish the tankers meant for drinking water from those carrying water for industrial and agricultural use. This does not always happen, and numerous carriers of drinking water get their water from illegal suppliers. Little action has been taken as yet to rectify the situation (SOE 2005). Pak-EPA’s implementation of the self-monitoring and reporting programme, with the help of NGOs, and private sector institutions, including representatives from industries, is a step worth mentioning for effective industrial pollution control. In Pakistan, barriers such as indifferent attitudes and over consciousness before accepting any change for betterment exist among the industrialists.

Recently, however, due to the introduction of a consultative process as in the case of NEQS, industrialists and organisations particularly, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Overseas Investment Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), and industrial associations have become willing to cooperate with regulatory agencies to contro

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