Pakistan is facing an acute water crisis, with per capita water availability declining every passing day to alarming levels. Our rivers are now drying up due to overuse, population growth, and climate change. Agriculture, which consumes over 90 per cent of our freshwater, relies on inefficient irrigation systems, leading to wastage. Meanwhile, untreated wastewater from urban centers and industries pollutes our limited water resources. Water recycling offers a practical solution to this dire situation. Treated wastewater can be reused in agriculture, industries, and even certain domestic applications, reducing the demand for freshwater. It also helps curb environmental pollution, protecting rivers and groundwater from contamination.
However, Pakistan lags in adopting water recycling practices due to a lack of infrastructure, awareness, and effective policies. It is crucial for the government to invest in modern wastewater treatment facilities and enforce regulations mandating recycling, especially in the industrial and agricultural sectors. Public awareness campaigns can further encourage communities to adopt water saving practices.
Shaher Bano Awan
Rawalpindi
