By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
Pakistan is among the most water-stressed countries in the world. Only 36 percent of the population has access to safely managed water, a problem that will likely get worse in the coming years due to rapid population growth and urbanization, as well as global warming, which is rapidly depleting the country’s primary water source—seasonal snow and ice melt from the mountains. The threat will have serious implications for food security, domestic and municipal water supply needs, energy production, and industry. Sanitation coverage also remains an issue; only 58 percent of the population has access to basic sanitation. These problems are exacerbated by the fact that Pakistan has no comprehensive water resource strategy or policy or law that defines water rights.
The lack of proper sanitation infrastructure also contributes to the water sanitation problem in Pakistan. Only 42% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities, while the rest rely on open defecation or unimproved facilities, which can contaminate the environment and groundwater sources. As a result of poor water sanitation, Pakistan experiences high rates of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever, which can be deadly, particularly in children under five years old. The Pakistani government has taken steps to address the water sanitation problem, including implementing regulations to control pollution and increasing investment in water and sanitation infrastructure. However, more needs to be done to ensure access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation for all Pakistanis.
Water sanitation problems refer to issues related to the quality and availability of clean water for human consumption and sanitation purposes. These issues can arise from various sources, such as contamination from human and animal waste, agricultural and industrial activities, and natural pollutants.
The lack of access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities is a significant problem in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. This can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, which can cause illness and death, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Inadequate water sanitation infrastructure and poor hygiene practices can also contribute to environmental degradation, as untreated wastewater and sewage can contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems.
To address water sanitation problems, it is essential to implement measures to ensure the quality and availability of clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities for all communities. This can include investments in water treatment plants, sewage systems, and improved hygiene practices, as well as regulatory measures to control pollution and protect water sources
Pakistan faces significant water sanitation problems, particularly in rural areas, where access to clean drinking water is limited. According to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, only 72% of the country's population has access to clean drinking water, and the remaining 28% relies on untreated surface water or groundwater, which is often contaminated with pollutants, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and human waste.
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