Water Crisis in Pakistan: A significant decline in winter rainfall has severely impacted the water supply in Pakistan’s twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, as of March 6, 2026. The water levels in Rawal Dam, Simly Dam, and Khanpur Dam have fallen dramatically, creating a potential crisis.
Groundwater levels have plummeted to 800 feet, raising alarms that the older, shallow tube wells operated by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and cantonment boards may soon run dry. Together, these bodies manage approximately 900 tube wells.
The region experienced a 40 percent reduction in rainfall last year, with the current season recording a 60 percent shortfall. December 2025 and February 2026 were completely dry, with only four rain spells in January. No rain has been recorded in March so far.
If regular rainfall does not resume by April, authorities may have to implement water rationing in the affected areas. WASA, CDA, and cantonment boards have already planned to curb water wastage, potentially banning car washing and similar activities.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 7, 2026
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