The CDA is planning to increase water and sewerage charges in Islamabad after keeping the rates unchanged since 2018. The proposed revision aims to improve cost recovery and support the city’s growing water supply needs.
According to officials, the current water and sanitation charges are much lower than the actual cost of providing these services. The civic authority says it currently recovers only around 20 percent of its total spending on water supply and sewerage. The remaining expenses are covered through government subsidies.
Sources said the CDA Board had already approved the proposal in principle last year. After that, the authority conducted a public hearing to gather feedback on the planned increase. Following the hearing process, the authority now intends to move forward with the revised charges.
An official said the proposal is expected to be sent to the federal cabinet for final approval. He added that the existing rates are very low and do not reflect the real cost of supplying water and maintaining the system.
At present, consumers pay Rs16 per month for every 1,000 gallons of water. Government residences in categories A, B, and C are charged Rs96 per month. D-type government houses currently pay Rs124 per month.
Private residential properties also pay low monthly charges. Houses built on plots of up to 250 square yards pay Rs228 per month. Homes measuring between 500 and 999 square yards pay Rs280 per month.
In addition to increasing monthly water charges, the authority also plans to revise sewerage fees. Water connection charges are also expected to increase under the proposed plan.
Islamabad has been facing water shortages for many years. No major new water source has been added to the city’s supply system in the last three decades. This has placed significant pressure on existing resources as the population continues to grow.
Currently, the CDA supplies around 70 million gallons of water each day. However, the city’s daily demand has crossed 220 million gallons. This large gap has created serious challenges for water management, especially during the summer season.
Officials said many areas, including Ghouri Town and Sector H-13, now depend heavily on private water tankers. In these locations, groundwater levels have declined and bore water has become increasingly scarce.
The authority currently relies on Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam, and tube wells to meet the city’s water needs. Officials said work is also planned on two new dams and the Ghazi Brotha Scheme to improve future water availability. However, progress on these projects has remained slow over the years.
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The proposed increase in charges is part of broader efforts to improve financial sustainability and strengthen Islamabad’s water and sewerage infrastructure while meeting the needs of the city’s expanding population.
