ISLAMABAD: Water-quality monitoring in Pakistan has received a major boost with water-testing equipment installed in 46 laboratories across Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while nine mobile water-testing laboratories have also been made operational.
According to official project documents, the initiative aims to strengthen water-quality monitoring, surveillance and management systems in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
The project has also focused on strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions and stakeholders. Technical staff from federal and provincial departments have been trained and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to conduct water-quality testing and surveys.
As part of the initiative, comprehensive water-quality assessments were conducted at all filtration plants in Islamabad in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Filters were also replaced at facilities where necessary.
The initiative has further produced a country report containing recommendations for improving Pakistan’s legal and administrative frameworks related to SDG 6 and water-resource management. An action plan for smart water management in Islamabad’s water-supply system has also been developed.
Federal Water-Quality Surveillance Mechanism
A federal-level water-quality surveillance mechanism is being established through comprehensive knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, as well as periodic reporting.
According to the documents, such a mechanism was not previously available at the federal level. The new system is expected to strengthen efforts towards achieving SDG 6, particularly Target 6.1, which focuses on universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
The initiative will also support regular reporting on drinking-water quality, enabling authorities to identify deficiencies, improve service delivery and develop targeted interventions in areas where water quality requires improvement.
The project further envisages the establishment of a Centralized Quality Assessment and Monitoring System to improve coordination and strengthen water-quality oversight.
According to the documents, the initiative is expected to particularly benefit marginalised communities in urban and peri-urban areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by improving drinking-water quality and access to safe water.
The project is also expected to create opportunities for future collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and other national and international development partners on water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in additional areas of Pakistan.
The measures mark a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s institutional capacity for water-quality surveillance and improving access to safe drinking water.