Dip in winter rains raises water crisis fears

A record decline in winter rainfall this year in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has led to a drop in water storage levels in all three dams supplying the cities — Rawal Dam, Simly Dam, and Khanpur Dam.

Groundwater levels have fallen to 800 feet, raising concerns that older, shallow tube wells operated by WASA, CDA, and cantonment boards may dry up prematurely. Rawalpindi WASA and the cantonment board collectively operate around 900 new and old tube wells.

Last year, rainfall was 40 per cent below normal. From December 2025 to date, winter rainfall has recorded a 60 percent shortfall. December and February remained completely dry, while only four spells of rain occurred in January. No rainfall has been recorded so far in March.

If normal rainfall does not occur within the next month, water rationing may have to be implemented in the twin cities.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), cantonment boards, and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have decided that in the event of further drought, measures will be taken to control water wastage, including banning car washing, washing of homes and office courtyards, and commercial car washing services.