As Pakistan grapples with escalating water scarcity fueled by rapid population growth and climate change, the clock is ticking on its precious freshwater resources. Embracing innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling could be the key to unlocking a sustainable water future.

Rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change are putting tremendous stress on global water resources. Pakistan is one of the few countries severely affected by climate change and shifts in rain patterns, heading towards water scarcity in the future. Water conservation aims to sustainably manage the natural resources of fresh water, protect the hydrosphere, and meet current and future human demands. Therefore, conserving water and using it judiciously can help avoid water scarcity. 

In the past, Pakistan faced issues of waterlogging and salinity due to excessive irrigation during the 1970s and 1980s. In some regions, groundwater was just a few feet below the surface, even creating difficulties for burying the dead.

Groundwater depletion and the lowering of aquifer levels are highly alarming in Pakistan, particularly in agricultural areas. In the past, Pakistan faced issues of waterlogging and salinity due to excessive irrigation during the 1970s and 1980s. In some regions, groundwater was just a few feet below the surface, even creating difficulties for burying the dead. However, due to poor planning in managing freshwater resources, conserving perennial water sources, and utilizing them for green energy and irrigation expansion, groundwater has been extensively extracted for agriculture and urban household use. The imbalance between groundwater extraction and recharge poses a threat to the future water sustainability. Recent studies revealed that there is a decrease in overall 5.66 percent in overall groundwater resources in Pakistan over the last 8 years. Punjab loses groundwater from 22.84 percent of its area, and about 36.17 percent area is under threat, whereas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 32.96 percent of land is deprived of groundwater and 42 percent of the area is under the threat of depletion. In the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, 0.03 percent of area has been deprived of groundwater and 0.39 percent of the area is under threat of depletion (Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources, PCRWR). 
Annually, about 60 billion cubic meters of groundwater is pumped through 1.4 million tubewells to supplement irrigation needs of about 5.2 million hectares of irrigated land in Pakistan. There are specific regions within the aquifer where groundwater depletion is a major threat. In urban areas, the groundwater is dwindling to bridge the gap between water demand and supply. On the one hand, rapid urbanization around the major cities and high population growth is devouring precious agricultural land, while on the other hand, it is drastically increasing the water demand for both domestic and industrial sectors. The irony is that while planning such expansions, the percentage of green area left for water absorption is either nonexistent or barely adequate due to the nexus of land mafia and high price of land for infrastructure development. During the rainy season, the runoff water is converted into urban floods, resulting in the loss of infrastructure and forcing the flow towards sea, depriving the area of groundwater recharge. In short, groundwater extraction and the decline in aquifer levels are increasing daily across three main sectors: agriculture, industry, and urban settlements. This is happening without proper planning for replenishment and recharge.
This year alone, the shortage of irrigational water available for Kharif season in Pakistan is about 19 percent. Out of total availability of 73.43 million acre-feet (MAF), Punjab’s water share will be 36.66 MAF (31.55 percent), Sindh 33.23 MAF (25.66 percent), KP 0.28 MAF (0.95 percent), and Balochistan 2.69 MAF (1.59 percent). Therefore, Punjab will face a 14 percent shortage, Sindh 23 percent, and Balochistan 41 percent, whereas KP would get 15 percent additional water (IRSA). Hence, the availability and management of water for sustainable utilization is the real challenge. To address these challenges, a sustainable solution may lie in the efficient and effective management of water conservation. This can be achieved through an integrated approach that combines modern technology with centuries-old traditional methods, as outlined in the following paragraphs.
Conservation of Available Water Resources
Rainwater Harvesting. Pakistan is blessed with high mountains in the north, which are helpful in sequestering and pouring down tons of water vapors emanating from the Arabian sea. The abundant rains of monsoon and winter snowfalls are a rich source of perennial freshwater. Rainwater harvesting systems offer a sustainable solution for collecting and storing rainwater to reduce dependence on freshwater and pumped water supplies. The storage of rainwater is also very important for recharging the groundwater aquifers. Innovative technologies play a crucial role in water conservation efforts by optimizing the efficient use of water. By implementing rainwater harvesting systems, we can reduce water usage efficiently and contribute to sustainable water management practices. These systems not only help in conserving water but also aid in reducing storm water runoff, preventing erosion, and replenishing groundwater. Embracing rainwater harvesting technology can lead to significant water availability and cost savings while contributing to a greener environment. Traditionally, rainwater harvesting was widely practiced across the diverse terrains of the country, including high mountains, bottom valleys, and the plains surrounding the Indus basin in Punjab and Sindh. However, with the increased availability of electricity and solar energy, rural communities have shifted towards pumping groundwater in the plains and extracting stream and river water in mountainous areas for household use. As a result, traditional rainwater ponds were abandoned, leading to the loss of rainwater through floods, increased soil erosion, and the depletion of aquifers. Moreover, buildings constructed of bricks and mud have been converted into paved cemented structures that do not allow water to be absorbed into the soil within the big cities and towns. 
The rehabilitation of old water storage ponds and reservoirs in rural areas and mountain regions, along with rainwater harvesting from paved building structures for household and industrial use, can reduce the pressure on public water supplies, which are mostly based on groundwater pumping. By increasing green spaces in housing projects and mandating the inclusion of small lakes in every development scheme, we can help harvest rainwater and facilitate its gradual absorption into the soil to replenish groundwater. This approach not only conserves energy but also provides significant benefits by ensuring a steady supply of clean water during periods of scarcity and drought, while also helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. In short, it contributes towards sustainable water management by reducing reliance on freshwater sources, and promoting water conservation. The benefits also include local water availability, reduced runoff, improved water quality, and enhanced overall water resource management.
Recycling of Household and Industrial Wastewater. Water reuse, also known as water recycling or water reclamation, involves reclaiming water from various sources, treating it, and reusing it for beneficial purposes such as agriculture, irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater replenishment, industrial processes, and environmental restoration. This process offers alternatives to traditional water sources and can significantly enhance water security, sustainability, and resilience. In recent years, the emerging contaminants have drawn genuine concerns and will have a significant impact on water resources in the future. These include the risks related to the massive use of new chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides), such as endocrine disruptors and antibiotics. Climate change has also led to more natural disasters, such as floods, storms, droughts and coastal flooding. Hence, these new threats require the development of resilient strategies for water reclamation and reuse. Reusing the water that flows down our drains as municipal wastewater, along with rainwater, presents a vast untapped opportunity. The reuse of greywater—lightly-used water from sinks, showers, and washing machines—is especially promising as a key innovation for water conservation and sustainability.
These water sources are treated adequately to meet "fit-for-purpose specifications" for their intended next use. "Fit-for-purpose specifications" refer to the specific treatment requirements needed to elevate water from a particular source to the quality necessary to ensure public health, environmental protection, or specific user needs. For instance, reclaimed water for crop irrigation must meet quality standards that prevent harm to plants and soil, ensure food safety, and protect the health of farm workers. In cases where there is greater human exposure, the water may require more intensive treatment.
Desalination of Saline Water. In many areas of Pakistan, groundwater is unfit for consumption, agriculture, or household use due to high salt accumulation. Similarly, vast coastal regions, including Karachi and the newly developed port of Gwadar, which rely on freshwater resources, have been facing water shortages. New technologies are being employed to make use of saline water for agriculture and household purposes. Innovative desalination technologies are transforming water conservation by converting saltwater into freshwater for consumption. These advancements play a vital role in ensuring future water security and promoting sustainable water management practices. By utilizing cutting-edge materials and systems, desalination innovations not only mitigate water scarcity but also contribute to environmental protection.
The integration of renewable energy sources into desalination processes is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. These systems utilize power from renewable sources to identify ways to optimize the conversion of saltwater into freshwater efficiently. By doing so, desalination innovations are at the forefront of conserving water resources and reducing vulnerability to droughts. Innovative desalination technologies are paving the way for a more environmentally friendly approach to water conservation. By harnessing the power of renewable energy sources, these advancements are revolutionizing the process of converting saltwater into freshwater, ultimately leading to improved sustainable water management practices.
Management of Water Resources for Sustainable Use with Integration of Innovative Technologies
Water is primarily used for agriculture (food production), household needs (drinking, cleaning, and housekeeping), and industrial purposes. Traditionally, irrigation practices for agriculture have involved flooding cropped land indiscriminately. This practice has resulted in the wastage of freshwater resources on one hand and rendered the soil unfit for crop production on the other. As freshwater resources deplete due to river diversions and climate change, altered rainfall patterns and glacier melting from rising temperatures threaten Pakistan's food security. Traditional irrigation practices are no longer sustainable and require innovation to ensure effective water management systems. Similarly, the traditional wastage of municipal and industrial water needs recycling and reuse for replenishing the groundwater and augmenting the freshwater resources. The following innovative technologies and practices are available for adoption.
Water Management in Agriculture 
Agriculture is the most water-intensive industry and one of the largest polluters of water supplies. Water management in agriculture is critical, as it directly impacts crop yield, ecological viability, and food security. Now that crop production is increasingly subject to risks, due to climate change and growing populations straining aquatic resources, farmers need to adopt smarter practices for sustainable agricultural water use. By leveraging data and technology, precision agriculture removes the guesswork from irrigation. This approach ensures the right timing, location, and amount of water is used in agriculture, boosting crop productivity and preventing resource wastage. The following are brief interventions:
Precision Irrigation. Precision irrigation leverages technology to moisten crops more efficiently. As opposed to traditional uniform irrigation, precision techniques tailor agricultural use of water based on crop needs and environmental factors. Sprinkler irrigation, in which moisture is sprayed from above, and drip irrigation, which delivers moisture directly to the roots, are both effective methods in agriculture that cater to different soil types and crop varieties. Additionally, variable-rate irrigation (VRI) enhances agricultural efficiency by enabling precise management of watering cycles. Weather forecasts also provide crucial data for irrigation management and dealing with variability in agriculture. The use of software algorithms allows for the processing of weather predictions, on-ground sensor data, and vegetation indices to determine optimal irrigation duration and frequency. This dynamic management approach adjusts agriculture’s water usage based on environmental changes.
Rainwater Use. The principle behind rainwater use is elegantly simple: capturing rainwater during precipitation events and storing it for later use creates a supplementary source of water for agriculture. This approach reduces dependence on external supplies and helps alleviate the burden on already overtaxed rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Compared to groundwater or surface water for agricultural use, rainwater offers the advantages of being free, widely available, and low in salts and minerals.
Water-smart Crop Selection. Drought-tolerant and native crop planting, as well as crop rotation, are successful management strategies that help promote sustainable agricultural water usage and minimize the effects of drought on plants and yields. Here’s how each of these practices works towards the purposes of agriculture:
o  Using crop varieties that are specifically bred for their drought tolerance is essential. Such features as deep root systems reduce moisture loss through transpiration, and the ability to rebound from water-deficit stress allow these cultivars to thrive in arid environments.
o  Planting native crops that have evolved to flourish in the specific climate and soil increases their chances of withstanding drought and lessens agricultural water use.
o  Rotating crops can make agricultural systems more resilient to abiotic stresses like drought and soil salinity. Additionally, crop rotation enhances groundwater levels and helps establish a balance between local water security and the needs of agricultural production.
o  The use of agricultural practices such as cover cropping, mulching, conservation tillage, and improving soil quality helps the soil retain moisture. This, in turn, promotes healthy plant development and reduces the negative effects of drought and water scarcity.
Wastewater (Recycled) Use for Irrigation. Reduced reliance on finite freshwater supplies in agriculture is one benefit of reusing treated wastewater for irrigation. With integrated planning and management, wastewater treatment enables the cyclic use of water in agriculture and decreases pollution from wastewater outflow. Furthermore, large-scale adoption of agricultural wastewater reuse can make farming more resilient to aridity.
Water Management in Household and Industrial Utilization 
Traditionally, the freshwater resources available through public water supply in urban areas for household use and for the use of industry are mismanaged and a large portion of it is wasted due to faulty water supply system. Sustainable water usage demands saving every drop of available water for productive and purposeful consumption. The innovative technologies are available to detect leakage of water at household level and in the supply system. The following smart technologies could be inserted within the system to conserve water losses:
Smart Sensor Technology. With advanced leak detection systems using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, water wastage can be swiftly identified and prevented in real-time. Smart sensor technology is revolutionizing leak detection and prevention systems by optimizing water usage data and monitoring water quality parameters efficiently. By embracing these advancements, we can benefit from prompt leak identification, leading to immediate repairs and minimal water losses. The use of AI algorithms enhances the ability of AI to optimize water usage, ultimately improving overall system performance and promoting responsible water conservation practices.
Automatic Shutoff Systems. Revolutionizing leak detection and prevention systems, automatic shutoff systems, powered by advanced technology, play a crucial role in proactively identifying and preventing water wastage. By leveraging technology, these systems optimize water usage patterns and contribute to effective water management.
Solar Powered Purification of Water. Desalination innovations have paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in water conservation, leading us to the realm of solar-powered water purification. Harnessing the power of the sun, this innovative technology efficiently purifies water, reducing water usage and lessening the environmental impact associated with traditional purification methods.
o Energy-Efficient. By utilizing solar energy, this technology reduces the dependence on electricity, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for water purification.
o Accessibility. Its portability enables its use in remote areas lacking access to clean water sources or electricity, providing a practical solution for communities in need.
o Cost-Effective. Solar-powered purification systems are low-maintenance and cost-effective, offering a long-term, sustainable approach to clean water access.
o Scalability. With its potential to address water scarcity in sun-rich regions, this technology highlights the power of innovation in combating the challenges posed by climate change through efficient water conservation methods.
Rainwater Harvesting by Each Household and Industry
In both urban and rural areas, buildings are constructed with bricks and cement, which do not absorb water during the rainy season. As a result, rainwater flows down streets and roads, ultimately going to waste. Technologies are available to harvest rainwater in underground tanks for use during periods of water scarcity. Rainwater is a significant source of freshwater, free from impurities and contamination, and should not be wasted. In many areas of Pakistan, we receive ample rainfall distributed throughout the year. With minimal intervention, this resource could be tapped without the energy required for pumping groundwater in the water supply system. Additionally, it may be beneficial to mandate the development of a small lake for each housing society and industrial unit in the vicinity for rainwater harvesting. This practice would help recharge groundwater, allowing for sustainable use in the future.
Recommendations
There is urgent need to control the losses of water either in perennial water sources (which is about 6 percent of the total water available, IRSA) or in the urban public water supply system by introducing technological interventions.
The perennial water resources in the Indus Basin need flood water storage facilities (dams) to bridge the gap between supply and demand during periods of water scarcity.
The urban and rural households may be encouraged to collect and store rainwater for their own use. Similarly, the industries having heavy building structures can harvest rainwater, store it, and utilize it for industrial use.
Reclamation of used water from municipal areas and industry through recycling and utilizing available technologies for reuse in agriculture and groundwater recharge.
There is an urgent need to control the expansion of big cities. Although the new housing projects around Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and other cities are providing planned accommodation facilities to the people, it has many disadvantages too. The productive agricultural land resources have been converted into building structures, depriving the urban population of a fresh supply of vegetables and food items on one hand and hindering water absorption to recharge the groundwater that is extensively pumped to meet household and industrial needs on the other.
Each housing project, whether already launched or emerging in the future, must include sufficient green areas and a mandatory small lake or water storage facility to harvest and store rainwater, allowing for slow absorption to recharge groundwater.
New urban settlements should be established at a considerable distance from large cities on barren and non-productive lands to alleviate population pressure in urban areas. The high population density in major cities exacerbates infrastructure strain, increases water demands, and contributes to social issues such as traffic congestion, protests, rising crime rates, and environmental pollution. This, in turn, accelerates climate change and contributes to higher temperatures and increased CO2 levels.
Check dams and mechanisms to slow water flow in hilly areas, including streams and floodwater courses, should be developed to prevent flooding downstream and facilitate water absorption into the soil. This approach will help recharge spring water sources, ensuring a perennial supply to the plains.
There is a need to develop ponds and pits at the top of hills and forests to increase the soil capacity to absorb rainwater. Such structures also need to be developed in plain areas around the urban settlements and villages to harvest rainwater more extensively and efficiently to recharge the groundwater. These practices will be helpful to regrow the diminishing plant species and will attract wild life and birds around the water storage facilities. The activity will automatically generate recreational facilities without much investment to the nearby residents in addition to fulfil the needs of livestock of the area.
The adoption of new technologies, including AI-based information on soil moisture, specific plant needs, and environmental predictions, should be implemented for smart irrigation in agriculture. Similarly, green energy sources can be harnessed in remote areas for water recycling and reclamation. Additionally, traditional rainwater harvesting and storage facilities should be restored by incorporating improved technologies and knowledge-based practices for effective rainwater management.
All the above-mentioned goals are achievable without requiring extensive financial resources from public funds. Due to globalization and social media, awareness about climate change and the depletion of water resources is effectively reaching the masses. Engaging local communities, especially the youth, through educational institutions, volunteer social workers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is feasible with guidance from government institutions. Additionally, new laws can be enacted through legislation for implementation by the relevant departments.

The writer is an Emeritus Professor and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.