Authorities Declare Water Emergency in Rawalpindi Amid Severe Drought

Residents of Rawalpindi are being urged to conserve water as the city faces a worsening supply crisis. Authorities have declared a water emergency for the second time this year, with dam levels dropping and demand far exceeding available resources.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the Khanpur Dam now holds only enough water for one month, while Rawal Dam can meet the city’s needs for up to three months if current conditions persist.

WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf explained that daily demand has surged to over 50 million gallons, but supply is limited to just 30 million gallons. The underground water table has also dropped to 650 feet, with no signs of recovery due to below-average rainfall.

Officials say the ongoing lack of rain is putting further pressure on water resources, forcing greater reliance on tube wells and alternative sources. Commercial activity and rapid population growth are also contributing to the crisis, depleting water faster than it can be replenished.

WASA has warned that legal action will be taken against unnecessary water use and is calling on residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to cooperate by conserving water. The agency stressed that continued dry weather could push the region into an even more severe shortage.