Karachi’s Water Supply Found 93% Contaminated
Despite repeated efforts to address the problem, Karachi’s ageing pipelines and lack of water treatment facilities contribute to the ongoing crisis.
A recent report has placed Karachi among the cities facing severe issues with polluted drinking water, raising concerns over public health and safety.
The report, presented by the Ministry of Water Resources in the National Assembly, has revealed that 61% of the drinking water in 29 Pakistani cities is contaminated.
The report highlights major urban like Gilgit, Mirpur Khas, and Shaheed Benazirabad, 100% of the drinking water tested was unsafe for consumption.
Meanwhile, Karachi’s water supply was found to be 93% contaminated, while 94% of Multan’s water and 92% of Badin’s were also deemed unsafe.
Other cities with significant contamination levels include Bahawalpur (76%), Sargodha (83%), Faisalabad (59%), and Sheikhupura (60%), Quetta and Loralai both reported 59% contamination, with Hyderabad at 80%, Sukkur at 67% and Muzaffarabad at 70%.
The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) conducted the study and regularly shares water quality data with provincial governments.
The report highlights the need for urgent government action to improve water infrastructure and quality control measures. Despite repeated efforts to address the problem, Karachi’s ageing pipelines and lack of water treatment facilities contribute to the ongoing crisis.
Health experts are urging authorities to prioritize water safety, warning that prolonged exposure to such pollution can result in long-term health complications for the city’s population.
Since the 18th Constitutional Amendment, ensuring the provision of clean drinking water and enhancing its quality have been the responsibility of provincial authorities.
