Karachi’s water supply comes from distant sources, primarily the Indus River and Hub Dam, through a complex bulk conveyance system involving canals, conduits, siphons, multi-stage pumping, and filtration networks. Currently, Karachi receives approximately 650 million gallons per day (MGD) from these sources. However, according to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), the city’s population requires a minimum of 1,200 MGD, resulting in a shortfall of 550 MGD. This gap, coupled with a flawed water distribution system plagued by leaks and seepage in aging pipelines, has led to widespread water scarcity, particularly in older areas of Karachi.The situation is unlikely to improve in the near future, as the ambitious K-4 Project, which aims to bring additional water from the Indus River to Karachi, will take several more years to complete. Consequently, the city faces persistent water shortages, which become even more severe during the summer months due to increased demand and inefficiencies in the existing distribution network.
In response to this critical need, the Dua Foundation conducts boring operations in rural areas and katchi abadies (informal settlements) within Karachi to access underground water sources. In many parts of the city, underground water is accessible at depths of 100-200 feet. While a significant portion of this water is brackish and suitable only for non-potable uses, there are locations where water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of less than 1000 mg/L can be found, making it safe for drinking purposes.
After boring, a hand pump or submersible pump is typically installed to ensure a reliable and sufficient supply of water. These initiatives by the Dua Foundation help mitigate the water crisis by providing alternative water sources to communities most affected by the city’s water scarcity, offering a lifeline to those who struggle daily with limited access to clean water.