Islamabad and Rawalpindi are facing a growing water shortage as all three major dams that supply the region — Simly, Rawal, and Khanpur — continue to see dangerously low water levels. The shortage is the result of a prolonged dry spell and a 44% decline in average rainfall over the past year.
Simly Dam, which solely supplies Islamabad, now holds just 2,249 acre-feet of water against its full capacity of 2,315 acre-feet. Rawal Dam, which supports both cities, has only 1,737 acre-feet left — just enough for two months. Meanwhile, Khanpur Dam is also approaching critical levels with only a month’s supply remaining.
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WASA officials say underground water tables have also plummeted to depths of 750 to 800 feet in many areas, causing older tube wells and boreholes to dry up. To manage the shortfall, WASA has started supplying water through tankers to areas affected by malfunctioning or depleted sources.
Despite the concerning figures, WASA Director Umar Farooq has urged residents not to panic. He noted that the pre-monsoon rains are expected within days, followed by the main monsoon season, which should help replenish the dams. Citizens have been urged to conserve water by avoiding wasteful activities like washing vehicles and watering lawns.
