Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city with a population of over 20 million, is facing an escalating water crisis. The city’s water supply, approximately 550 million gallons per day (MGD), falls significantly short of the over 1200 MGD demand. This shortage is due to a combination of mismanaged sewage systems, poor urban planning, overcrowding, lack of funding, corruption, and mismanagement. The rapid population growth and climate change are worsening the situation.
Increasing Dependence on Groundwater Boring
In response to the acute water shortage, many Karachi residents are turning to groundwater extraction, commonly known as water boring. This process involves drilling into the earth to access water stored in underground aquifers. However, the cost of water boring varies based on the depth and diameter of the borehole.
Current Water Boring Rates in Karachi
Water boring rates in Karachi are as follows for an 8-inch diameter bore:
- First 600 feet: Rs. 600 per foot
- 600 to 800 feet: Rs. 800 per foot
- 800 to 1,000 feet: Rs. 1,000 per foot
The costs increase if the bore diameter is expanded to 12 inches or 15 inches.
Looking Ahead
As the water crisis persists, the demand for groundwater boring is expected to rise. While groundwater extraction offers a temporary solution, addressing the root causes of the water crisis is essential for sustainable management. Residents need to be aware of the costs associated with water boring to make informed decisions.
Efforts must focus on improving urban planning, managing sewage systems efficiently, securing funding, and combating corruption to ensure a long-term solution to Karachi’s water crisis.
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