Karachi, a sprawling metropolis with a population exceeding 15 million, is grappling with a severe water crisis characterized by both scarcity and poor quality. The city’s total water requirement is estimated at around 1,100 million gallons per day (MGD), but current supply levels hover between 450 to 480 MGD. This shortfall leaves millions of residents without adequate access to clean drinking water, forcing many to rely on unsafe alternatives. Amid a surge in waterborne diseases, the Karachi administration has announced plans to establish 29 chlorination centers to improve the quality of potable water. However, these measures may be too little too late for a city already suffering from rampant contamination.
Health experts and organizations like the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) have raised alarms about the dire situation. They report that the public is often compelled to consume contaminated water, exposing them to serious health risks such as typhoid, gastroenteritis, cholera, hepatitis A and E, and even Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), one of the deadliest diseases caused by polluted water. A staggering 91% of Karachi’s water supply has been deemed unfit for human consumption, according to various studies. Samples collected from different sources in the city revealed that a vast majority contained coliform bacteria and other harmful pathogens, indicating a severe mixing of sewage and drinking water supplies.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) is responsible for managing the city’s water supply and sewage systems. However, years of mismanagement and corruption have crippled its operations. The KWSB struggles with outdated infrastructure; many pipes are over 40 years old and prone to leaks. Estimates suggest that approximately 30% of the city’s domestic water supply is lost due to theft or leakages before it ever reaches consumers. In some neighborhoods, residents receive water only once every week or even longer, leading to desperation and reliance on the so-called “water mafia”—illegal operators who sell tanker water at inflated prices.
The situation is exacerbated by political interference and corruption within the KWSB. Reports indicate that many officials are complicit in allowing illegal hydrants to operate, further draining resources meant for legitimate consumers. The water mafia thrives in this environment, often drawing from illegal sources while charging exorbitant rates for subpar quality water. Residents in low-income areas frequently spend up to 20% of their monthly income on these tankers, which can range from $12 to $16 for just 1,000 gallons.
In addition to the challenges posed by inadequate supply and quality issues, Karachi faces another pressing problem: untreated sewage being released into the sea. The KWSB claims that it currently treats around 35 million gallons of sewage per day before discharge; however, this figure falls drastically short of what is needed given the city’s population density and industrial activities. The untreated sewage not only contaminates coastal waters but also poses significant risks to marine life and public health.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has announced ongoing development work on a Rs12 billion project aimed at constructing a new canal to supply additional water from Hub Dam. Once completed in about a year, this project could potentially provide an additional 200 million gallons per day. However, skepticism remains regarding whether these ambitious plans will materialize given the historical context of delays and mismanagement in similar projects.
The implications of Karachi’s water crisis extend beyond mere inconvenience; they pose serious threats to public health and social stability. The lack of access to clean drinking water has led to an increase in waterborne diseases, placing an additional burden on an already strained healthcare system. As families struggle to secure safe drinking water, tensions may rise between communities competing for limited resources.
Moreover, the situation has broader ramifications for governance in Pakistan. The inability of local authorities to provide basic services like clean water undermines public trust in government institutions and contributes to social unrest. As citizens grow increasingly frustrated with their circumstances, there is potential for civil discontent that could manifest in protests or other forms of resistance against local authorities.
In light of these challenges, urgent reforms are necessary for Karachi’s water management system. Effective governance must be prioritized to address the rampant corruption within KWSB and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Investment in infrastructure improvements is crucial; modernizing aging pipelines and treatment plants can significantly reduce losses due to leaks and theft while improving overall quality.
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns should be initiated to educate residents about safe drinking practices and hygiene measures that can mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water supplies. Community engagement will be key in fostering accountability among local officials tasked with managing these essential services.
As Karachi continues to confront its multifaceted water crisis, it serves as a cautionary tale for other rapidly urbanizing cities facing similar challenges worldwide. The intersection of population growth, climate change, and inadequate governance presents a formidable challenge that requires immediate action from all stakeholders involved.
Karachi’s struggle with water shortage and poor quality highlights critical systemic issues that need addressing urgently. With millions at risk due to contaminated supplies and inadequate infrastructure, there is no time left for complacency or delay in implementing effective solutions.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
