Boring in Different Localities in Karachi
Karachi’s water supply is sourced from distant locations, primarily the Indus River and Hub Dam, and transported through a complex network of canals, conduits, siphons, multi-stage pumping stations and filtration systems. Currently, the metropolis receives approximately 650 million gallons per day (MGD) from these sources. However, according to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), the city’s population requires a minimum of 1,200 MGD, resulting in a shortfall of 550 MGD. This gap, coupled with a deteriorating water distribution system plagued by leaks and seepages in aging pipelines, has led to severe water scarcity, particularly in older areas of Karachi.
The situation is unlikely to improve in the near future, as the K-4 Project, an ambitious initiative 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 intensify further during the summer months due to heightened demand and inefficiencies within the aging distribution network.
To address the challenges faced by Karachiites related to clean water, Dua Foundation carries out boring operations in rural areas and katchi abadis (informal settlements) within Karachi to tap into underground water sources. In many parts of the city, underground water can be accessed at depths ranging from 100 to 200 feet. While a significant portion of this water is brackish and suitable only for non-potable use, there are locations where water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of less than 1,000 mg/L is available, making it safe for drinking. Once boring is done, a hand pump or submersible pump is installed to ensure reliable and sufficient supply of water.
These initiatives by Dua Foundation help alleviate the water crisis by providing alternative sources of water to communities most affected by this scarcity, offering a critical lifeline to those who face daily struggles with limited access to clean water.
