Water is essential for life, but it is also a scarce and precious resource. In Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, water scarcity is a serious problem that affects millions of people. According to a report by the World Bank, Karachi faces a water deficit of 50 percent, meaning that the city’s water supply is only half of its demand. This situation is worsened by the poor quality of water, which is often contaminated by sewage, industrial waste, and saltwater intrusion.
One way to cope with this challenge is to install a water tank system in your home or business. A water tank system can store water from various sources, such as municipal supply, groundwater, rainwater, or desalination, and provide you with a reliable and safe water supply. However, installing a water tank system is not a simple task. You need to consider many factors, such as the type of tank, the size of the tank, the material of the tank, and most importantly, the location of the tank.
The location of your water tank system can have a significant impact on its performance, durability, safety, and cost. Choosing the wrong location can lead to problems such as leakage, corrosion, contamination, overheating, freezing, structural damage, or legal issues. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right location for your water tank system in Karachi.
In this article, we will provide you with some useful tips and guidelines on how to choose the right location for your overhead or underground water tank system in Karachi. We will also compare the advantages and disadvantages of overhead and underground tanks, and discuss some site-specific considerations for Karachi’s climate and infrastructure. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to make an informed decision about your water tank location.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location
There are four main factors that you need to consider when choosing a location for your water tank system: climate and weather conditions, available space, accessibility, and structural considerations.
Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate and weather conditions of your location can affect the material and durability of your water tank system. Different materials have different properties and reactions to heat, cold, moisture, sunlight, and wind. For example, metal tanks are prone to rusting and corrosion in humid and salty environments; plastic tanks are susceptible to cracking and warping in extreme temperatures; concrete tanks are vulnerable to cracking and leaking in seismic areas; fiberglass tanks are sensitive to UV rays and can fade or degrade over time.
Therefore, you need to choose a material that is suitable for your climate and weather conditions. You also need to consider the effect of climate and weather conditions on the temperature of your stored water. Depending on your water usage needs, you may want to keep your water cool or warm. For example, if you use your water for drinking or cooking purposes, you may prefer cool water; if you use your water for bathing or washing purposes, you may prefer warm water.
To control the temperature of your stored water, you need to consider the following aspects:
- Impact on Tank Material and Durability: Some materials are better at insulating or conducting heat than others. For example, metal tanks are good conductors of heat and can transfer heat quickly between the tank and the surrounding environment; plastic tanks are poor conductors of heat and can retain heat longer inside the tank. Therefore, you need to choose a material that matches your desired temperature level.
- Effect on Water Temperature: The temperature of your stored water can be affected by various factors such as the source of water (e.g., municipal supply vs. rainwater), the color of the tank (e.g., dark vs. light), the shape of the tank (e.g., cylindrical vs. rectangular), the orientation of the tank (e.g., north-south vs. east-west), the exposure of the tank (e.g., shaded vs. sunny), and the insulation of the tank (e.g., insulated vs. non-insulated). Therefore, you need to consider these factors when choosing a location for your water tank system.
Available Space
The available space of your location can limit your options for choosing a type and size of your water tank system. You need to measure the available space accurately and compare it with the dimensions of different types and sizes of tanks. You also need to check the legal and zoning regulations of your area regarding water tank installation.
Measuring Available Space
To measure the available space for your water tank system, you need to consider both horizontal and vertical dimensions. Horizontal dimensions include length and width; vertical dimensions include height and depth. You need to measure the length, width, height, and depth of the space where you want to install your water tank system. You also need to measure the distance between the space and any nearby structures, such as walls, fences, trees, power lines, or pipes. You need to leave enough clearance around your water tank system for ventilation, drainage, and maintenance purposes.
Legal and Zoning Regulations
Before installing a water tank system in your location, you need to check the legal and zoning regulations of your area. Different areas may have different rules and requirements for water tank installation, such as permits, fees, inspections, standards, codes, or restrictions. You need to comply with these regulations to avoid any legal issues or penalties. You also need to consult with your neighbors and community members if your water tank system may affect their property or rights.
Accessibility
The accessibility of your water tank system can affect its functionality and convenience. You need to consider the proximity of your water tank system to your water sources and your water usage points. You also need to consider the accessibility of your water tank system for maintenance purposes.
Proximity to Water Sources
The proximity of your water tank system to your water sources can affect the efficiency and cost of your water supply. Depending on the type of water source you use, you may need to install pumps, pipes, valves, filters, or other devices to transport water from the source to the tank. The longer the distance between the source and the tank, the more energy and money you may need to spend on these devices. Therefore, you need to choose a location for your water tank system that is close to your water sources.
Accessibility for Maintenance
The accessibility of your water tank system for maintenance purposes can affect its durability and safety. You need to perform regular maintenance and inspection on your water tank system to ensure its optimal performance and prevent any problems such as leakage, corrosion, contamination, or damage. To do this, you need to access your water tank system easily and safely. Therefore, you need to choose a location for your water tank system that is accessible for maintenance.
Structural Considerations
The structural considerations of your location can affect the stability and safety of your water tank system. You need to consider the load-bearing capacity of the structure where you want to install your water tank system. You also need to consider the foundation requirements for your water tank system.
Load-Bearing Capacity of the Structure
The load-bearing capacity of the structure where you want to install your water tank system can affect its ability to support the weight of the tank and the stored water. Different structures have different load-bearing capacities depending on their materials, design, age, and condition. For example, concrete structures are stronger than wooden structures; new structures are stronger than old structures; well-maintained structures are stronger than poorly-maintained structures.
You need to calculate the weight of your water tank system and compare it with the load-bearing capacity of the structure. The weight of your water tank system depends on the type, size, material, and fill level of the tank. The load-bearing capacity of the structure depends on its specifications and engineering calculations. You need to ensure that the weight of your water tank system does not exceed the load-bearing capacity of the structure. Otherwise, you may risk causing structural damage or collapse.
Foundation Requirements
The foundation requirements for your water tank system can affect its stability and safety. Depending on the type and size of your water tank system, you may need to prepare a suitable foundation for it. A foundation is a base or support that provides stability and strength for a structure. Different types of foundations have different characteristics and advantages depending on their materials, design, depth, and cost.
You need to choose a foundation that matches your type and size of water tank system. For example, if you have an overhead tank system, you may need a reinforced concrete foundation that can withstand high pressure and stress; if you have an underground tank system, you may need a gravel or sand foundation that can prevent soil erosion and groundwater infiltration. You also need to consider the soil conditions of your location when choosing a foundation. For example, if you have sandy or clayey soil, you may need a deeper or wider foundation than if you have rocky or loamy soil.
Water Usage Needs Assessment
Before choosing the type and size of your water tank system, you need to assess your water usage needs. Your water usage needs depend on various factors such as the number of people in your household or business, the purpose of using water (e.g., drinking vs. washing), the frequency of using water (e.g., daily vs. weekly), and the seasonality of using water (e.g., summer vs. winter).
Determining Daily Water Usage
To determine your daily water usage needs, you need to estimate how much water you use for different purposes in a typical day. You can use some standard values or measurements to calculate your water usage for different purposes. For example, according to the World Health Organization, the minimum water requirement for drinking purposes is 2 liters per person per day; according to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, the average water consumption for domestic purposes in Pakistan is 116 liters per person per day.
You can use the following table to estimate your daily water usage for different purposes:
Purpose | Water Usage (liters per person per day) |
Drinking | 2 |
Cooking | 5 |
Washing dishes | 10 |
Washing clothes | 20 |
Bathing | 35 |
Flushing toilets | 30 |
Gardening | 10 |
Cleaning | 4 |
To calculate your total daily water usage, you need to multiply the water usage for each purpose by the number of people in your household or business, and then add up the results. For example, if you have a household of four people, and you use water for all the purposes listed in the table, your total daily water usage would be:
(2 + 5 + 10 + 20 + 35 + 30 + 10 + 4) x 4 = 464 liters
Seasonal Variations in Water Needs
Your water usage needs may vary depending on the season. For example, you may need more water in summer than in winter, due to higher temperatures, evaporation rates, and irrigation needs. You may also need more water during certain periods of the year, such as festivals, holidays, or special occasions, when you may have more guests or activities that require more water.
To account for seasonal variations in water needs, you need to adjust your daily water usage by a factor that reflects the expected increase or decrease in water demand. For example, according to a study by the Pakistan Engineering Congress, the seasonal variation factor for domestic water demand in Karachi ranges from 0.8 to 1.2, depending on the month. This means that in some months, you may need to multiply your daily water usage by 0.8 to get your adjusted daily water usage; in other months, you may need to multiply your daily water usage by 1.2 to get your adjusted daily water usage.
You can use the following table to estimate your seasonal variation factor for different months:
Month | Seasonal Variation Factor |
January | 0.9 |
February | 0.9 |
March | 1.0 |
April | 1.1 |
May | 1.2 |
June | 1.2 |
July | 1.1 |
August | 1.0 |
September | 0.9 |
October | 0.9 |
November | 0.8 |
December | 0.8 |
To calculate your adjusted daily water usage for a given month, you need to multiply your total daily water usage by the seasonal variation factor for that month. For example, if your total daily water usage is 464 liters, and you want to calculate your adjusted daily water usage for May, you would do: 464 x 1.2 = 556.8 liters
Calculating Tank Capacity Requirements
To calculate your tank capacity requirements, you need to consider how much water you want to store and how often you want to refill your tank. The amount of water you want to store depends on your expected water consumption and availability. The frequency of refilling your tank depends on your preferred source and the reliability of the water.
You can use the following formula to calculate your tank capacity requirements:
Tank Capacity = (Adjusted Daily Water Usage x Number of Days) + Buffer
The number of days is the number of days you want to store water; the buffer is an extra amount of water you want to keep in case of emergencies or contingencies.
For example, if your adjusted daily water usage is 556.8 liters, and you want to store water for three days, and you want to have a buffer of 10 percent of your adjusted daily water usage, you would do:
Tank Capacity = (556.8 x 3) + (0.1 x 556.8) = 1847 liters
Therefore, you would need a tank with a capacity of at least 1847 liters.
Overhead vs. Underground Water Tank Systems
There are two main types of water tank systems: overhead and underground. Overhead tanks are installed above the ground level; underground tanks are installed below the ground level. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh before making a decision.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Overhead Tanks
Overhead tanks have the following advantages:
- They provide high water pressure due to gravity.
- They are easy to access and maintain.
- They are less prone to contamination and infiltration from groundwater or soil.
- They are less affected by temperature fluctuations and freezing.
Overhead tanks have the following disadvantages:
- They require a strong and stable structure to support their weight.
- They are more visible and may affect the aesthetics of your location.
- They are more exposed to sunlight, wind, rain, and dust.
- They may cause leakage or damage to the structure or the surroundings in case of overflow or rupture.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Underground Tanks
Underground tanks have the following advantages:
- They save space and do not affect the aesthetics of your location.
- They are less visible and less vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
- They are more protected from sunlight, wind, rain, and dust.
- They keep the water cooler and fresher.
Underground tanks have the following disadvantages:
- They require excavation and foundation work to install them.
- They provide low water pressure and may need pumps to boost it.
- They are difficult to access and maintain.
- They are more prone to contamination and infiltration from groundwater or soil.
- They are more affected by temperature fluctuations and freezing.
Site-Specific Considerations for Karachi
Karachi is a unique and diverse city that has its own challenges and opportunities for water tank installation. You need to consider some site-specific factors that may affect your water tank location, such as Karachi’s climate and environmental factors, and Karachi’s infrastructure.
Karachi’s Climate and Environmental Factors
Karachi has a hot and humid climate that is influenced by its coastal location and monsoon season. The average annual temperature in Karachi is 25.1°C, with the highest temperature reaching 47°C in May and the lowest temperature dropping to 5°C in January. The average annual rainfall in Karachi is 194.9 mm, with most of the rainfall occurring from July to September. The average annual humidity in Karachi is 66%, with the highest humidity reaching 86% in August and the lowest humidity dropping to 34% in April.
These climate and environmental factors can have implications for your water tank location, such as:
- Monsoon Season: The monsoon season in Karachi can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and flooding. These conditions can damage your water tank system or affect its performance. Therefore, you need to choose a location that is protected from these hazards, such as a high ground or a sheltered area. You also need to ensure that your water tank system has proper drainage and ventilation systems to prevent waterlogging and overheating.
- Water Quality Issues: The water quality in Karachi is often poor due to pollution, contamination, and salinity. These issues can affect the health and safety of your stored water. Therefore, you need to choose a location that is away from potential sources of pollution or contamination, such as industrial areas, sewage lines, or garbage dumps. You also need to ensure that your water tank system has proper filtration and disinfection systems to improve the quality of your stored water.
Karachi’s Infrastructure
Karachi has a complex and inadequate infrastructure that affects its water supply and power supply. The municipal water supply in Karachi is unreliable, insufficient, and unequal. The power supply in Karachi is unstable, intermittent, and expensive. These infrastructure issues can have implications for your water tank location, such as:
- Municipal Water Supply: The municipal water supply in Karachi is dependent on three main sources: the Indus River, the Hub Dam, and the Kinjhar Lake. However, these sources are often insufficient to meet the growing demand of the city’s population. Moreover, the distribution of water in Karachi is uneven and unfair, with some areas receiving more water than others. Furthermore, the delivery of water in Karachi is irregular and unpredictable, with frequent interruptions and shortages. Therefore, you need to choose a location that has access to alternative sources of water, such as groundwater, rainwater, or desalination.
- Power Supply Reliability: The power supply in Karachi is dependent on two main sources: the national grid and the K-Electric company. However, these sources often cannot meet the growing demand of the city’s consumption. Moreover, the transmission of power in Karachi is inefficient and faulty, with frequent losses and breakdowns. Furthermore, the availability of power in Karachi is uncertain and variable, with frequent load-shedding and blackouts. Therefore, you need to choose a location that has access to alternative sources of power, such as solar panels, generators, or batteries.
Installation and Maintenance
After choosing a suitable location for your water tank system, you need to install it properly and maintain it regularly. You need to choose a professional installation service that can provide you with quality workmanship and customer service. You also need to perform regular maintenance and inspection on your water tank system to ensure its optimal performance and prevent any problems.
Choosing a Professional Installation Service
Installing a water tank system is not a DIY project that you can do by yourself. It requires specialized skills, tools, equipment, and materials that only a professional installation service can provide. Therefore, you need to choose a professional installation service that can offer you the following benefits:
- Expertise: A professional installation service has the expertise and experience to install your water tank system according to your specifications and preferences. They can advise you on the best type, size, material, and location of your water tank system based on your needs and budget.
- Quality: A professional installation service has the quality standards and certifications to install your water tank system according to industry norms and regulations. They can ensure that your water tank system meets the safety and performance requirements of your area.
- Warranty: A professional installation service has a warranty policy and guarantees to install your water tank system with confidence and assurance. They can provide you with after-sales service and support in case of any issues or defects with your water tank system.
To choose a professional installation service for your water tank system in Karachi, you need to do some research and compare among different options available in the market. You can use some criteria such as reputation, reviews, ratings, references, portfolio, price, and availability to evaluate and select the best option for you.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Installing a water tank system is not a one-time task that you can forget about after it is done. It requires regular maintenance and inspection to ensure its optimal performance and prevent any problems. Therefore, you need to perform the following tasks on your water tank system:
- Cleaning: You need to clean your water tank system at least once a year to remove any dirt, debris, algae, or sediment that may accumulate inside the tank or the pipes. You can use some methods such as draining, flushing, scrubbing, or disinfecting to clean your water tank system.
- Checking: You need to check your water tank system at least once a month to detect any leaks, cracks, corrosion, or damage that may occur on the tank or the fittings. You can use some tools such as a flashlight, a tape measure, a pressure gauge, or a water meter to check your water tank system.
- Repairing: You need to repair your water tank system as soon as possible if you find any problems or defects that may affect its functionality or safety. You can use some materials such as sealants, patches, clamps, or pipes to repair your water tank system. However, if the problem is beyond your ability or capacity to fix it, you need to contact a professional service for assistance.
Cost Analysis
One of the most important factors that you need to consider when choosing a water tank system is the cost. The cost of a water tank system depends on various factors such as the type, size, material, location, installation, and maintenance of the tank. You need to compare the initial installation costs and the long-term operating costs of different options to find the best value for your money.
Initial Installation Costs
The initial installation costs of a water tank system include the costs of purchasing the tank and its accessories, preparing the site and the foundation, installing the tank and its fittings, and connecting the tank to the water source and the usage points. These costs vary depending on the type, size, material, and location of your water tank system.
To estimate the initial installation costs of your water tank system in Karachi, you can use some average values or ranges based on market research and surveys. For example,
- The average cost of purchasing an overhead plastic tank with a capacity of 1000 liters is Rs. 10,000; the average cost of purchasing an underground concrete tank with a capacity of 1000 liters is Rs. 15,000.
- The average cost of preparing the site and the foundation for an overhead tank is Rs. 5,000; the average cost of preparing the site and the foundation for an underground tank is Rs. 10,000.
- The average cost of installing an overhead tank is Rs. 2,000; the average cost of installing an underground tank is Rs. 4,000.
- The average cost of connecting an overhead tank to the water source and the usage points is Rs. 3,000; the average cost of connecting an underground tank to the water source and the usage points is Rs. 5,000.
Therefore,
- The total initial installation cost of an overhead plastic tank with a capacity of 1000 liters is Rs. 20,000;
- The total initial installation cost of an underground concrete tank with a capacity of 1000 liters is Rs. 34,000.
Long-term Operating Costs
The long-term operating costs of a water tank system include the costs of maintaining and repairing the tank and its accessories, operating and replacing the pumps and filters if needed, paying for the electricity and water bills if applicable, and disposing or replacing the tank if necessary. These costs vary depending on the type, size, material, and location of your water tank system.
To estimate the long-term operating costs of your water tank system in Karachi, you can use some average values or ranges based on market research and surveys. For example,
- The average cost of maintaining and repairing an overhead plastic tank is Rs. 1,000 per year; the average cost of maintaining and repairing an underground concrete tank is Rs. 2,000 per year.
- The average cost of operating and replacing a pump for an overhead tank is Rs. 2,000 per year; the average cost of operating and replacing a pump for an underground tank is Rs. 3,000 per year.
- The average cost of operating and replacing a filter for an overhead tank is Rs. 1,000 per year; the average cost of operating and replacing a filter for an underground tank is Rs. 1,500 per year.
- The average electricity bill for an overhead tank is Rs. 500 per month; the average electricity bill for an underground tank is Rs. 800 per month.
- The average water bill for an overhead tank is Rs. 300 per month; the average water bill for an underground tank is Rs. 500 per month.
- The average cost of disposing or replacing an overhead plastic tank is Rs. 5,000 every 10 years; the average cost of disposing or replacing an underground concrete tank is Rs. 10,000 every 20 years.
Therefore,
- The total long-term operating cost of an overhead plastic tank with a capacity of 1000 liters is Rs. 7,600 per year + Rs. 5,000 every 10 years;
- The total long-term operating cost of an underground concrete tank with a capacity of 1000 liters is Rs. 11,800 per year + Rs. 10,000 every 20 years.
Case Studies
To illustrate how to choose the right location for your water tank system in Karachi, we will present some real-life examples of successful and unsuccessful tank installations. We will also discuss some lessons learned from these examples.
Successful Tank Installation: Mr. Ali’s Overhead Plastic Tank
Mr. Ali is a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, a middle-class neighborhood in Karachi. He has a family of five members and uses water for domestic purposes such as drinking, cooking, washing, bathing, and gardening. He has a monthly income of Rs. 50,000 and a monthly budget of Rs. 10,000 for water-related expenses.
Mr. Ali decided to install an overhead plastic tank with a capacity of 1000 liters on his rooftop terrace. He chose this location because it was close to his water source (a borehole) and his water usage points (his kitchen and bathroom). He also chose this location because it was protected from direct sunlight by shade cloth and from strong winds by a parapet wall.
He hired a professional installation service that charged him Rs. 20,000 for the purchase and installation of the tank and its accessories. He also installed a pump and a filter to boost the water pressure and improve the water quality.
Mr. Ali’s overhead plastic tank has been working well for over two years now. He has not faced any major problems or issues with his tank or its fittings. He performs regular maintenance and inspection on his tank to keep it clean and functional.
He spends around Rs. 7,600 per year on his water-related expenses, which include:
- Maintenance and repair costs: Rs. 1,000
- Pump and filter costs: Rs. 3,000
- Electricity bill: Rs. 500 x 12 = Rs. 6,000
- Water bill: Rs. 300 x 12 = Rs. 3,600
He saves around Rs. 2,400 per year compared to his previous monthly budget of Rs. 10,000.
Mr. Ali is happy with his decision to install an overhead plastic tank on his rooftop terrace because it has provided him with a reliable and safe water supply that meets his needs and budget.
Unsuccessful Tank Installation: Mrs. Khan’s Underground Concrete Tank
Mrs. Khan is a resident of DHA Phase VIII, an upscale neighborhood in Karachi. She has a family of seven members and uses water for domestic purposes as well as for her beauty salon business that she runs from her home. She has a monthly income of Rs. 200,000 and a monthly budget of Rs. 40,000 for water-related expenses.
Mrs. Khan decided to install an underground concrete tank with a capacity of 2000 liters in her backyard garden. She chose this location because it was spacious and did not affect the aesthetics of her home or business. She also chose this location because it was away from any potential sources of pollution or contamination such as industrial areas or sewage lines.
She hired a professional installation service that charged her Rs 68,000 for the purchase and installation of the tank and its accessories. She also installed a pump and a filter to boost the water pressure and improve the water quality.
Mrs. Khan’s underground concrete tank has been causing her many problems and issues since its installation. She has faced the following challenges with her tank and its fittings:
- Leakage: Her tank developed cracks and leaks due to poor quality of concrete and foundation. She had to spend Rs. 10,000 to repair the cracks and seal the leaks.
- Contamination: Her tank got contaminated by groundwater and soil that infiltrated through the cracks and leaks. She had to spend Rs. 5,000 to disinfect and clean the tank.
- Freezing: Her tank froze during the winter season due to low temperature and lack of insulation. She had to spend Rs. 3,000 to thaw and heat the tank.
- Accessibility: Her tank was difficult to access and maintain due to its underground location. She had to spend Rs. 2,000 to hire a professional service to inspect and service the tank.
She spends around Rs. 23,800 per year on her water-related expenses, which include:
- Maintenance and repair costs: Rs. 10,000 + Rs. 5,000 + Rs. 3,000 + Rs. 2,000 = Rs. 20,000
- Pump and filter costs: Rs. 3,000
- Electricity bill: Rs. 800 x 12 = Rs. 9,600
- Water bill: Rs. 500 x 12 = Rs. 6,000
She spends around Rs. 16,200 more per year than her previous monthly budget of Rs. 40,000.
Mrs. Khan is unhappy with her decision to install an underground concrete tank in her backyard garden because it has caused her many problems and issues that have affected her water supply and her budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the right location for your water tank system in Karachi is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on your water supply, your budget, and your quality of life. You need to consider various factors such as climate and weather conditions, available space, accessibility, structural considerations, water usage needs assessment, overhead vs. underground water tank systems, site-specific considerations for Karachi, installation and maintenance costs, and case studies.
By following the tips and guidelines provided in this article, you will be able to make an informed decision about your water tank location that suits your needs and preferences.