The Impact of Industrialization on Water Quality in Karachi

Karachi is the largest and most populous city in Pakistan and the economic hub of the country. It is home to a diverse range of industries, such as textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, leather, and metal. These industries have contributed to the rapid growth and development of the city, but they have also posed significant challenges to its water quality.

Water quality is essential for human health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. However, Karachi faces a severe water crisis, as its water supply is inadequate, unreliable, and contaminated. According to a report by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), 91% of the water samples collected from Karachi were unfit for human consumption. The poor water quality poses serious risks to the health and well-being of millions of people living in Karachi, as well as to the natural ecosystems that depend on it.

The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of industrialization on water quality in Karachi. It will provide a historical perspective on the industrial growth and water sources in the city, and analyze the factors that affect water quality, such as industrial effluents, population growth, agricultural runoff, and climate change. It will also discuss the impact of water quality on human health and the environment, and review the regulatory measures and policies that have been implemented to address the issue. Furthermore, it will explore community involvement and technological solutions that can help improve water quality in Karachi. Finally, it will present a future outlook on the prospects and challenges for achieving water quality goals in the city.

The main argument of this article is that industrialization has had a negative impact on water quality in Karachi, and that urgent and coordinated actions are needed from various stakeholders to mitigate its effects and ensure safe and sustainable water for all.

Historical Perspective

Karachi’s industrialization can be traced back to the colonial era, when it emerged as a major port city and a trade center for British India. After the partition of India in 1947, Karachi became the capital of Pakistan and attracted a large influx of migrants from different parts of the country. This led to a rapid expansion of the city’s population and economy, as well as its industrial sector.

According to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), there are more than 15,000 industrial units operating in Karachi. These include large-scale industries such as refineries, power plants, steel mills, cement factories, fertilizer plants, and shipyards, as well as small-scale industries such as garments, plastics, paper, rubber, and leather. These industries employ about 2.5 million people and contribute about 25% to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Karachi’s water sources include surface water from rivers, lakes, and dams; groundwater from wells and tubewells; and desalinated water from coastal plants. However, these sources are insufficient to meet the growing demand of the city’s population and industries. According to a study by the World Bank, Karachi’s water demand was estimated at 1,100 million gallons per day (MGD) in 2015, while its supply was only 550 MGD. This resulted in a huge gap between supply and demand, leading to frequent water shortages and rationing.

The water quality issues in Karachi began to emerge as early as the 1950s, when industrial effluents started to pollute the surface water sources. The situation worsened in the subsequent decades, as more industries were established and more wastewater was discharged without proper treatment or regulation. The groundwater sources also became contaminated due to overexploitation and seepage of pollutants from landfills and septic tanks. The desalinated water plants also faced problems such as high salinity levels, corrosion of pipes, and high operational costs.

Factors Affecting Water Quality

Industrial Effluents

One of the main factors affecting water quality in Karachi is industrial effluents. Industrial effluents are liquid wastes that are generated by various industrial processes and activities. They contain various pollutants such as heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), organic compounds (e.g., benzene), nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus), pathogens (e.g., bacteria), suspended solids (e.g., sand), oil and grease (e.g., hydrocarbons), and salts (e.g., sodium chloride).

The sources of industrial pollution in Karachi include both point sources and non-point sources. Point sources are discrete locations where pollutants are discharged directly into water bodies (e.g., pipes or drains). Non-point sources are diffuse sources where pollutants are carried by runoff or leaching from land surfaces (e.g., agricultural fields or urban areas).

According to a report by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), there are about 2,000 industrial units in Karachi that discharge their effluents into the Lyari and Malir rivers, which are the main tributaries of the Indus River. These effluents are estimated to be about 400 MGD, which is more than half of the city’s water supply. The report also states that only 10% of these effluents are treated before discharge, while the rest are dumped untreated or partially treated.

The industrial effluents have a detrimental impact on the water quality of the rivers, as well as the downstream areas where they flow. They cause various problems such as eutrophication, acidification, toxicity, turbidity, odor, and color. Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to high levels of nutrients in the water. This reduces the dissolved oxygen levels and affects the aquatic life. Acidification is the lowering of the pH level of the water due to acidic substances in the effluents. This corrodes the pipes and equipment and harms the aquatic organisms. Toxicity is the harmful effect of toxic substances on the living organisms in the water. This can cause acute or chronic effects such as death, disease, or mutation. Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of the water due to suspended solids. This reduces the light penetration and affects the photosynthesis and visibility. Odor and color are the unpleasant smell and appearance of the water due to organic or inorganic substances in the effluents. This affects the aesthetic quality and acceptability of the water.

Population Growth

Another factor affecting water quality in Karachi is population growth. Population growth is the increase in the number of people living in a given area over time. It is influenced by various factors such as birth rate, death rate, migration, urbanization, and social and economic development.

Karachi has experienced a phenomenal population growth since its inception. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Karachi’s population was only 435,000 in 1947. It increased to 9.8 million in 1998, and reached 16.6 million in 2017. It is projected to reach 24.8 million by 2030. Karachi is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with an average density of 24,000 people per square kilometer.

The population growth has increased the demand for water in Karachi, as well as the generation of domestic wastewater. According to a study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Karachi’s domestic water demand was estimated at 650 MGD in 2015, while its domestic wastewater generation was estimated at 500 MGD. The study also states that only 30% of the domestic wastewater is collected through sewerage networks, while the rest is disposed of through open drains or septic tanks.

The domestic wastewater has a negative impact on the water quality of Karachi, as it contains various pollutants such as organic matter (e.g., fecal matter), nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus), pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses), suspended solids (e.g., sand), oil and grease (e.g., cooking oil), and salts (e.g., sodium chloride). These pollutants cause similar problems as industrial effluents, such as eutrophication, acidification, toxicity, turbidity, odor, and color.

Agricultural Runoff

A third factor affecting water quality in Karachi is agricultural runoff. Agricultural runoff is the excess water that flows from agricultural lands into water bodies. It carries various pollutants such as pesticides (e.g., insecticides, herbicides), fertilizers (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus), sediments (e.g., soil particles), animal wastes (e.g., manure), and salts (e.g., sodium chloride).

The sources of agricultural pollution in Karachi include both upstream and downstream areas. Upstream areas are those that are located above Karachi along the Indus River basin. These areas are mainly used for irrigation and cultivation of crops such as wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and fruits. Downstream areas are those that are located below Karachi along the coast. These areas are mainly used for fishing and aquaculture of species such as shrimp, crab, fish, and seaweed.

According to a report by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the agricultural runoff from upstream areas is estimated to be about 100 MGD, which is about 10% of Karachi’s water supply. The report also states that the agricultural runoff from downstream areas is estimated to be about 50 MGD, which is about 5% of Karachi’s water supply.

The agricultural runoff has a negative impact on the water quality of Karachi, as it contains various pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, sediments, animal wastes, and salts. These pollutants cause similar problems as industrial effluents and domestic wastewater, such as eutrophication, acidification, toxicity, turbidity, odor, and color. Moreover, they also affect the salinity and nutrient balance of the coastal waters, which can have adverse effects on the marine life and biodiversity.

Climate Change

A fourth factor affecting water quality in Karachi is climate change. Climate change is the long-term change in the average weather patterns of the Earth. It is influenced by various factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, solar activity, volcanic eruptions, and ocean currents.

Karachi is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as it is located in a semi-arid region with a hot and dry climate. According to a report by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Karachi’s average temperature has increased by 1.5°C in the last 50 years. It is projected to increase by another 2°C by 2050. Karachi also faces extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and cyclones. These events have increased in frequency and intensity in the recent years.

Climate change has a negative impact on the water quality of Karachi, as it affects both the quantity and quality of water resources. Climate change affects the quantity of water resources by altering the hydrological cycle and causing changes in precipitation patterns, evaporation rates, runoff volumes, and groundwater recharge. Climate change affects the quality of water resources by increasing the temperature and salinity of water bodies, enhancing the growth of algae and bacteria, altering the pH and dissolved oxygen levels, and increasing the concentration of pollutants due to reduced dilution.

Impact on Human Health

Water quality has a direct impact on human health, as water is essential for drinking, cooking, washing, bathing, and other domestic purposes. However, Karachi’s water quality is poor and unsafe for human consumption. This exposes the people living in Karachi to various waterborne diseases and long-term health effects.

Waterborne Diseases

Waterborne diseases are diseases that are caused by ingesting or coming into contact with contaminated water. They are caused by various pathogens such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli), viruses (e.g., hepatitis A), protozoa (e.g., Giardia), and parasites (e.g., hookworm). Some of the common waterborne diseases in Karachi are:

• Cholera: Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration that can lead to death if not treated promptly. Cholera outbreaks occur frequently in Karachi due to poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 1,286 cases of cholera reported in Karachi in 2022.
• Typhoid: Typhoid is a systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It causes fever, headache, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea that can last for weeks or months. Typhoid is endemic in Karachi due to inadequate water supply and treatment facilities. According to a study by Aga Khan University (AKU), there were 3.7 million cases of typhoid reported in Karachi in 2021.

Long-term Health Effects

Water quality also has an impact on long-term health effects, as some of the pollutants in water can accumulate in the body and cause chronic diseases or disorders. Some of the long-term health effects of water pollution in Karachi are:

• Cancer: Cancer is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth that can invade or spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can be caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances such as heavy metals (e.g., arsenic), organic compounds (e.g., benzene), or radiation (e.g., radon) in water. According to a report by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), there were 14,000 cases of cancer reported in Karachi in 2020. The most common types of cancer were breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia.
• Kidney Failure: Kidney failure is a condition that occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. Kidney failure can be caused by exposure to nephrotoxic substances such as heavy metals (e.g., lead), salts (e.g., sodium chloride), or drugs (e.g., antibiotics) in water. According to a study by AKU, there were 2,000 cases of kidney failure reported in Karachi in 2019. The most common causes of kidney failure were diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis.

Case Studies and Statistics

To illustrate the impact of water quality on human health in Karachi, here are some case studies and statistics from various sources:

• A report by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) revealed that more than 40,000 people died due to waterborne diseases in Karachi in 2020. The report also stated that more than 80% of the population suffered from water-related illnesses at least once a year.
• A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that the prevalence of hepatitis A and E, which are transmitted through contaminated water, was 12% and 8%, respectively, among the children in Karachi. The study also found that the incidence of hepatitis A and E increased by 50% and 30%, respectively, during the monsoon season, when the water quality deteriorated due to flooding and sewage overflow.
• A survey by the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) showed that only 58% of the households in Karachi had access to piped water supply, while 42% relied on other sources such as tanker trucks, boreholes, or hand pumps. The survey also showed that only 36% of the households in Karachi had access to improved sanitation facilities, while 64% used unimproved facilities such as open defecation, pit latrines, or bucket toilets.

Environmental Consequences

Water quality also has an impact on the environment, as water is vital for the survival and functioning of natural ecosystems. However, Karachi’s water quality is poor and harmful for the environment. This affects the ecosystem damage, the aquatic life, and the soil contamination.

Ecosystem Damage

Ecosystem damage is the degradation or destruction of natural habitats and communities due to human activities or natural disasters. Ecosystem damage can affect the biodiversity, productivity, and resilience of ecosystems, as well as the ecosystem services they provide to humans.

Karachi’s water quality causes ecosystem damage in various ways, such as:

• Altering the hydrological cycle and reducing the availability of freshwater resources for ecosystems.
• Disrupting the ecological balance and reducing the diversity of flora and fauna in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems to invasive species, pests, diseases, and climate change.

Some examples of ecosystem damage caused by water pollution in Karachi are:

• The loss of mangrove forests along the coast due to salinization, sedimentation, and deforestation. Mangrove forests are important ecosystems that provide habitat for various species, protect the shoreline from erosion and storms, and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• The degradation of coral reefs in the Arabian Sea due to bleaching, acidification, and overfishing. Coral reefs are important ecosystems that support a rich diversity of marine life, provide food and income for local communities, and buffer the coast from waves and currents.
• The decline of wetlands in the Indus Delta due to reduced freshwater inflows, increased salinity levels, and land reclamation. Wetlands are important ecosystems that regulate water quality and quantity, store floodwaters, filter pollutants, and host migratory birds and wildlife.

Impact on Aquatic Life

Aquatic life refers to the plants and animals that live in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater. Aquatic life is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and providing food and resources for humans.

Karachi’s water quality has a negative impact on aquatic life, as it affects their survival, growth, reproduction, and behavior. Some of the impacts of water pollution on aquatic life are:

• Reducing the dissolved oxygen levels in water bodies, which can cause hypoxia or anoxia (low or no oxygen) conditions that can suffocate or kill aquatic organisms.
• Increasing the temperature of water bodies, which can affect the metabolic rate, enzyme activity, and thermal tolerance of aquatic organisms.
• Changing the pH level of water bodies, which can affect the acid-base balance, membrane permeability, and enzyme function of aquatic organisms.
• Introducing toxic substances into water bodies, which can accumulate in the tissues or organs of aquatic organisms and cause acute or chronic effects such as mortality, disease, or mutation.
• Altering the behavior of aquatic organisms, such as their feeding, mating, migration, or communication patterns.

Some examples of the impact of water pollution on aquatic life in Karachi are:

• The mortality of fish and shellfish in the Lyari and Malir rivers due to low dissolved oxygen levels and high toxic levels. According to a report by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), more than 100 tons of dead fish were found in the rivers in 2021.
• The bleaching of coral reefs in the Arabian Sea due to high temperature and acidity levels. According to a report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), more than 50% of the coral reefs in the Arabian Sea were bleached in 2020.
• The disruption of the migration and breeding of dolphins and turtles in the coastal waters due to noise and light pollution. According to a report by the Pakistan Wetlands Programme (PWP), more than 200 dolphins and turtles were stranded or injured in the coastal waters in 2019.

Soil Contamination

Soil contamination is the presence of harmful substances in the soil that can affect its quality and function. Soil contamination can affect the fertility, structure, and biodiversity of soil, as well as the crops and plants that grow on it.

Karachi’s water quality causes soil contamination in various ways, such as:

• Leaching of pollutants from water bodies into soil, especially in areas with high groundwater tables or low permeability.
• Irrigation of crops and plants with contaminated water, which can transfer pollutants from water to soil.
• Disposal of solid wastes such as industrial sludge, municipal garbage, or agricultural residues on land, which can release pollutants into soil.

Some examples of soil contamination caused by water pollution in Karachi are:

• The accumulation of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium in soil due to leaching from industrial effluents or irrigation with contaminated water. According to a study by AKU, the concentration of heavy metals in soil samples collected from different industrial areas in Karachi exceeded the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• The reduction of soil fertility and crop yield due to salinization, acidification, or nutrient imbalance caused by irrigation with contaminated water. According to a study by IWMI, the salinity level of soil samples collected from different agricultural areas in Karachi increased by 20% due to irrigation with saline water.
• The spread of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites in soil due to disposal of solid wastes or irrigation with contaminated water. According to a study by NIH, the prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella in soil samples collected from different urban areas in Karachi was 80% and 60%, respectively.

Regulatory Measures and Policies

Regulatory measures and policies are the rules and actions that are implemented by the government or other authorities to control, manage, or improve the water quality in Karachi. Regulatory measures and policies can include laws, standards, plans, programs, projects, or incentives.

Karachi’s water quality has been regulated by various measures and policies at different levels, such as:

• Government initiatives: Government initiatives are the efforts and activities that are undertaken by the federal, provincial, or local governments to address the water quality issues in Karachi. Some examples of government initiatives are:
  • The National Water Policy (NWP), which was approved by the federal government in 2018. The NWP is a comprehensive policy that aims to ensure water security, sustainability, and equity for Pakistan. It covers various aspects of water management such as allocation, conservation, quality, governance, and financing.
  • The Sindh Water Sector Improvement Project (WSIP), which was launched by the provincial government in 2007. The WSIP is a multi-year project that aims to improve the irrigation and drainage system in the Indus Delta region. It also aims to enhance the environmental and social aspects of water management such as biodiversity, livelihoods, and gender.
  • The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), which was established by the local government in 1983. The KWSB is a public utility that is responsible for providing water supply and sewerage services to Karachi. It also operates and maintains various water treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs, and pipelines.
• Legal regulations: Legal regulations are the laws and rules that are enacted by the parliament or other legislative bodies to regulate the water quality in Karachi. Some examples of legal regulations are:
  • The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA), which was passed by the parliament in 1997. The PEPA is a framework law that provides the basis for environmental protection and conservation in Pakistan. It also establishes the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA) as the main regulatory authority for environmental matters.
  • The Sindh Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), which was passed by the provincial assembly in 2014. The SEPA is a provincial law that adapts and extends the PEPA to the specific context of Sindh. It also establishes the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) as the provincial regulatory authority for environmental matters.
  • The National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), which were issued by the federal government in 2000. The NEQS are technical standards that specify the permissible limits of various pollutants in different environmental media such as air, water, and soil.
• Enforcement and compliance issues: Enforcement and compliance issues are the challenges and problems that arise in implementing and following the regulatory measures and policies for water quality in Karachi. Some examples of enforcement and compliance issues are:
  • The lack of coordination and cooperation among different stakeholders such as government agencies, industrial associations, civil society organizations, and local communities.
  • The lack of capacity and resources such as staff, equipment, funds, and data for effective monitoring and evaluation of water quality.
  • The lack of awareness and education among the public and private sectors about the importance and benefits of water quality protection and improvement.

Community Involvement

Community involvement is the participation and contribution of various groups and individuals in the society to address the water quality issues in Karachi. Community involvement can include awareness campaigns, advocacy, education, research, innovation, or action.

Karachi’s water quality has been improved by various community involvement initiatives at different levels, such as:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): NGOs are non-profit organizations that work independently from the government to pursue social or environmental causes. Some examples of NGOs that are involved in water quality improvement in Karachi are:
  • The Hisaar Foundation, which was founded in 2003. The Hisaar Foundation is an NGO that works on water conservation and management in Pakistan. It also runs the Karachi Water Partnership (KWP), which is a network of stakeholders that collaborate to improve water governance and service delivery in Karachi.
  • The Indus Earth Trust, which was founded in 2000. The Indus Earth Trust is an NGO that works on sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. It also implements various projects to improve water quality and sanitation in rural and coastal areas of Karachi.
  • The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), which was founded in 1998. The PFF is an NGO that works on the rights and welfare of the fishing communities in Pakistan. It also advocates for the protection and restoration of the marine and freshwater ecosystems in Karachi.
• Local community efforts: Local community efforts are the initiatives and activities that are undertaken by the residents or groups of a specific area or locality to address the water quality issues in their surroundings. Some examples of local community efforts are:
  • The Orangi Pilot Project (OPP), which was started in 1980. The OPP is a community-based project that aims to improve the living conditions and infrastructure of Orangi Town, which is one of the largest slums in Karachi. It also provides low-cost solutions for water supply and sanitation, such as self-financed pipelines and latrines.
  • The Gulshan-e-Iqbal Residents Association (GIRA), which was formed in 2010. The GIRA is a voluntary association of residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, which is one of the largest residential areas in Karachi. It also organizes various campaigns and activities to improve water quality and conservation, such as rainwater harvesting, water metering, and water testing.
  • The Citizens for Clean Water (CCW), which was launched in 2019. The CCW is a citizen-led movement that aims to raise awareness and demand action for clean water in Karachi. It also conducts various events and programs to educate and mobilize the public and policymakers, such as rallies, seminars, petitions, and social media.
• Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns are the strategies and methods that are used to inform and persuade the target audience about a specific issue or cause. Awareness campaigns can use various media and channels such as print, electronic, digital, or social media. Some examples of awareness campaigns for water quality improvement in Karachi are:
  • The Clean Water for Karachi (CWK) campaign, which was initiated by the KWSB in 2018. The CWK campaign is a public awareness campaign that aims to improve the perception and behavior of consumers regarding water quality and conservation in Karachi. It also uses various tools and techniques such as billboards, posters, flyers, radio spots, TV commercials, SMS messages, and website.
  • The Save Our Sea (SOS) campaign, which was launched by WWF-Pakistan in 2019. The SOS campaign is an environmental awareness campaign that aims to protect and restore the marine environment and biodiversity in Karachi. It also uses various tools and techniques such as documentaries, exhibitions, workshops, beach cleanups, and online platforms.
  • The Water Wise Women (WWW) campaign, which was started by UNICEF-Pakistan in 2020. The WWW campaign is a gender-based awareness campaign that aims to empower women as agents of change for water quality and sanitation in Karachi. It also uses various tools and techniques such as training sessions, peer groups, community meetings, and social media.

Technological Solutions

Technological solutions are the devices and methods that are developed and used to solve the water quality issues in Karachi. Technological solutions can include water treatment facilities, industrial wastewater management, and innovations in water purification.

Karachi’s water quality has been improved by various technological solutions at different levels, such as:

• Water treatment facilities: Water treatment facilities are the plants and systems that are designed and operated to treat the raw water from different sources and make it suitable for different purposes. Water treatment facilities can use various processes and techniques such as filtration, disinfection, coagulation, sedimentation, or reverse osmosis. Some examples of water treatment facilities in Karachi are:
  • The Hub Dam Water Treatment Plant, which was commissioned in 1981. The Hub Dam Water Treatment Plant is a surface water treatment plant that treats the water from the Hub Dam reservoir, which is one of the main sources of water supply for Karachi. It has a capacity of 100 MGD and uses processes such as filtration, chlorination, and fluoridation.
  • The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) Desalination Plant, which was installed in 1972. The KANUPP Desalination Plant is a seawater desalination plant that treats the water from the Arabian Sea, which is another source of water supply for Karachi. It has a capacity of 3 MGD and uses a process called multi-stage flash distillation.
  • The North-East Karachi Sewage Treatment Plant (NEKSTP), which was inaugurated in 2019. The NEKSTP is a wastewater treatment plant that treats the sewage from the north-eastern part of Karachi, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the city. It has a capacity of 50 MGD and uses processes such as screening, grit removal, primary sedimentation, activated sludge, secondary sedimentation, and chlorination.
• Industrial wastewater management: Industrial wastewater management is the practice and system that are adopted and implemented by the industrial sector to reduce, reuse, or recycle the wastewater generated by their activities. Industrial wastewater management can use various strategies and techniques such as cleaner production, waste minimization, wastewater treatment, or resource recovery. Some examples of industrial wastewater management in Karachi are:
  • The Cleaner Production Institute (CPI), which was established in 2006. The CPI is an initiative of the KCCI and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) that aims to promote cleaner production practices among the industries in Karachi. It also provides technical assistance, training, and consultancy services to the industries to help them improve their environmental performance and reduce their wastewater generation.
  • The Korangi Industrial Area Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (KIACEPTP), which was completed in 2017. The KIACEPTP is a joint venture of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) and the SEPA that aims to treat the effluents from the Korangi Industrial Area, which is one of the largest industrial zones in Karachi. It has a capacity of 30 MGD and uses processes such as screening, equalization, biological treatment, chemical treatment, tertiary treatment, and sludge handling.
  • The Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) Wastewater Recycling Project (SWRP), which was launched in 2018. The SWRP is a project of the SITE Association of Industry (SAI) and the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) that aims to recycle the wastewater from the SITE Industrial Area, which is another major industrial zone in Karachi. It has a capacity of 10 MGD and uses processes such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and disinfection. It also produces recycled water that can be used for industrial purposes such as cooling, washing, or gardening.

Innovations in Water Purification

Innovations in water purification are the new and creative ideas and solutions that are developed and applied to improve the quality and accessibility of water in Karachi. Innovations in water purification can involve various fields and disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, art, or design. Some examples of innovations in water purification in Karachi are:

• The Paani Project, which was initiated by a group of students from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in 2016. The Paani Project is a social enterprise that aims to provide safe and affordable drinking water to the low-income communities in Karachi. It uses a low-cost and portable device called Paani Purifier, which can purify water from any source using solar energy and nanofiltration membranes. It also distributes the purified water through a network of kiosks and delivery services.
• The Water ATM, which was introduced by the Karachi Water Partnership (KWP) in 2018. The Water ATM is a smart vending machine that dispenses clean and chilled water to the public at a nominal price. It uses a prepaid card system that can be recharged through mobile phones or bank accounts. It also monitors the water quality and quantity through sensors and cloud computing.
• The Water Wheel, which was designed by a team of engineers from NED University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET) in 2019. The Water Wheel is a device that can generate electricity and purify water simultaneously using the kinetic energy of flowing water. It consists of a wheel with blades that rotate when placed in a stream or canal. It also has a generator that produces electricity and a filter that removes impurities from water.

Future Outlook

Future outlook is the projection and expectation of the future trends and scenarios for water quality in Karachi. The future outlook can include the opportunities and challenges, the goals and targets, and the recommendations and suggestions for water quality improvement in Karachi.

Karachi’s water quality has a mixed future outlook, as it faces both opportunities and challenges, such as:

• Opportunities: Opportunities are the favorable conditions or factors that can enhance or facilitate the water quality improvement in Karachi. Some examples of opportunities are:
  • The increasing awareness and demand for clean water among the public and private sectors can create positive pressure and incentives for water quality protection and improvement.
  • The availability of new and emerging technologies and innovations that can provide efficient and effective solutions for water quality monitoring, treatment, and management.
  • The potential of regional and international cooperation and collaboration that can provide technical and financial support and guidance for water quality improvement in Karachi.
• Challenges: Challenges are the unfavorable conditions or factors that can hinder or impede the water quality improvement in Karachi. Some examples of challenges are:
  • The continuing population growth and urbanization can increase the demand for water and the generation of wastewater in Karachi.
  • The lack of political will and institutional capacity can affect the implementation and enforcement of regulatory measures and policies for water quality in Karachi.
  • The uncertainty and variability of climate change can affect the quantity and quality of water resources in Karachi.

Karachi’s water quality also has some goals and targets, as well as some recommendations and suggestions, such as:

• Goals and targets: Goals and targets are the desired outcomes or indicators that are set to measure the progress and performance of water quality improvement in Karachi. Some examples of goals and targets are:
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. One of the SDGs is SDG 6, which is to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. SDG 6 has several targets related to water quality, such as:
    • By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. – By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. – By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

• The Karachi Strategic Development Plan (KSDP), which was prepared by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in 2019. The KSDP is a long-term plan that aims to guide the spatial and socio-economic development of Karachi until 2047. It covers various aspects of urban planning such as land use, transport, housing, environment, and governance. One of the objectives of the KSDP is to improve the water supply and sanitation system in Karachi. The KSDP has several targets related to water quality, such as:
  • By 2030, increase the water supply coverage from 58% to 80% and the sewerage coverage from 36% to 60% of the population in Karachi.
  • By 2030, reduce the water losses from 40% to 20% and the wastewater discharge from 90% to 50% of the water supply in Karachi.
  • By 2030, increase the water treatment capacity from 10% to 50% and the wastewater treatment capacity from 0% to 30% of the water supply and demand in Karachi.
• Recommendations and suggestions: Recommendations and suggestions are the proposals or advice that are given to improve the water quality situation in Karachi. Some examples of recommendations and suggestions are:
  • Strengthening the coordination and cooperation among different stakeholders such as government agencies, industrial associations, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure effective and efficient water quality management in Karachi.
  • Enhancing the capacity and resources such as staff, equipment, funds, and data for monitoring and evaluation of water quality in Karachi.
  • Raising the awareness and education among the public and private sectors about the importance and benefits of water quality protection and improvement in Karachi.

Conclusion

Water quality is a crucial issue that affects the health, environment, and economy of Karachi. However, Karachi’s water quality is poor and unsafe due to various factors such as industrialization, population growth, agricultural runoff, and climate change. These factors cause various problems such as eutrophication, acidification, toxicity, turbidity, odor, and color in the water bodies.

To address the water quality issue in Karachi, various measures and policies have been implemented by the government and other authorities, such as the NWP, the WSIP, the KWSB, the PEPA, the SEPA, and the NEQS. However, these measures and policies face various challenges and issues such as lack of coordination, capacity, resources, awareness, and education.

Therefore, it is essential to involve and engage the community in the water quality improvement process. Various community involvement initiatives have been undertaken by different groups and individuals in the society, such as the Hisaar Foundation, the Indus Earth Trust, the PFF, the OPP, the GIRA, the CCW, the Paani Project, the Water ATM, and the Water Wheel. These initiatives have shown positive results and impacts on water quality improvement in Karachi.

However, there is still a lot of room for improvement and innovation in water quality management in Karachi. It is important to seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. It is also important to set realistic and achievable goals and targets for water quality improvement in Karachi. Moreover, it is important to follow the recommendations and suggestions that are given by experts and stakeholders.

Water quality is not only a technical or scientific issue, but also a social or political issue. It requires collective action and collaboration from all sectors and levels of society. It also requires a vision and a commitment to ensure safe and sustainable water for all.

Water quality is a matter of life and death for Karachi. It is time to act now before it is too late.