WASA okays rainwater harvesting project

Water storage, treatment systems to be installed on 30 buildings

RAWALPINDI:

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlement Programme has approved a rain harvesting initiative for Rawalpindi.

This project, supported by an initial allocation of Rs150 million from the UN body, aims to install innovative water storage and treatment facilities on 30 government and private buildings across the city.

The proposed rainwater harvesting and treatment system is set to be a cutting-edge solution for water conservation. It includes the installation of special water tanks alongside advanced filtration systems in the designated buildings. The commencement of this project is scheduled for April, with each building selected for the installation of these systems ranging from educational institutions like the Board of Intermediate and Secondry Education Rawalpindi and Fatima Jinnah Women University to government offices such as the WASA head office and District Health Authority office.

Rawalpindi, receiving around 100 hours of rain annually, currently loses this water to sewers without utilising it effectively. With a growing population and increasing migration, the city faces a daily water requirement of 64 million gallons, leaving a deficit of 17 million gallons. The rainwater storage and treatment plants will help address this shortage by repurposing rainwater for various purposes, including plant irrigation, cleaning of government office floors, and vehicle washing.

Salim Ashraf, the Managing Director of WASA, confirmed that the project is set to commence during Ramadan and is expected to be completed within two months. Additional funding is available if needed, and the inclusion of modern water filtration treatment plants is also part of the initiative.

By implementing these measures, Rawalpindi stands to save up to 19 million gallons of water initially, with potential savings reaching 22 million gallons if similar systems are installed on more buildings and facilities across the city. This sustainable approach not only addresses the immediate water needs but also contributes to long-term water conservation efforts in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2024.