As Pakistan gradually moves from water stressed to a water scarce country, there is urgent need for long term and viable solutions. With issues like climate change, unplanned urbanisation and population growth, every drop of water counts and matters.

In areas where there is water, checking the suitability for drinking water is also crucial due to contamination. Islamic Relief Pakistan under its Sustainable and Equitable Water Solutions in AJ&K (SEWA) project conducted a water quality assessment survey of water supply sources of Bagh City in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), in collaboration with the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). The assessment revealed that out of 50 tested water sources, 66% were found contaminated and unsafe for drinking. ​​​​​​​

In order to address that, Islamic Relief Pakistan has installed filtration units on contaminated water sources which have improved the quality of water by 26%. However, there is a need for pertinent measures like source protection, pollution control, water treatment, and capacity building of the community. Through the same partnership with PCRWR, we have also launched a report on the Water Quality Status of Natural Springs and Water Supply Sources in Bagh AJ&K aiming to improve drinking water quality for the city’s inhabitants.