According to experts, Pakistan loses nearly 35 million acre-feet of rainwater every year due to floods and the absence of proper storage systems. This lost water is equivalent to the total capacity of the country’s major reservoirs and could be preserved with better infrastructure.
With annual rainfall ranging from 300 to 1,000 millimeters, the country has seen a sharp increase in rainfall intensity due to climate change. In 2023, Pakistan recorded 16% more rainfall than usual, and in August 2024 alone, the rainfall was 142% above normal.
Despite this, most rainwater goes to waste, mixing with sewage instead of being stored for future use. Experts highlight that urban water demand has more than doubled in the past five years, yet groundwater extraction continues unchecked.
In major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, no formal system exists to collect and store rainwater. Water specialists suggest that cities should develop recharge wells and storage ponds to conserve rainwater.
New housing projects could also integrate rainwater collection systems to reduce reliance on groundwater. Without immediate action, Pakistan’s water crisis will continue to worsen, threatening both agriculture and urban supply.
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Rainwater or Flood water all water all wasted, we nation wasting lot of Natural resources and then face crisis, same Handpumps installed on large scale and water becomes brackish, while Freshwater wasted. There is solutions to conserve rainwater and Freshwater see more at http://www.ahdpak.org
This is a very serious issue.
This should have been thought of about 25 years ago. But unfortunately everyone is busy doing his or her own thing and it’s into political paradigm, all talk slow action by the time it’s happens the allied damages are painful. I think we can still do it if the drive is there at the national level. Finances and inside wrangling may hold back the objectives.
like other issues, pakistan ignore this grave issue which will become a nightmare in the near future for pakistan. pakistan should seroiusly take off this issue. construction of new dams and water reservoir are very necessary.construction of small dams not only store water but also reduce the threat of flood. 2022 flood, caused billion dollars damage to pakistan.