Application of Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) in Islamabad, Pakistan

摘要

The Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) has now been established to solve the water quality and quantity problems through integrated approach and attempts are being made for its implementation in various urban areas. This approach aims the protection of groundwater, surface water and watershed basin by focusing on the mutual management of the land and water. Present source of drinking water for Islamabad is treated surface water from Simly and Khanur Dams plus groundwater from about 170 tube wells located in Islamabad. This study presents IUWM as the viable approach to address the water related issues in the federal capital area of Islamabad. Statistical data showed that per capita availability of the water in Islamabad is more than 440 liters per person per day which is like other high consuming cities of the Asia, i. e,. Shanghai and Seoul which consume 250 and 210 liters per person per day respectively. Our study identified the variables like, i) inefficient water use, ii) pollution of water, iii) over mining of ground water, iv) seasonal variability of precipitation, v) population growth and urbanization, vi) floods and droughts are the important factors influencing the quality and quantity of water in the city. The study analyzed the area which could bring improvements in the demand and supply management. The rain water harvesting, treated wastewater utilization, groundwater recharge, green roofs, surface water discharge monitoring system and other pilot projects are suggested to be implemented. By the supply optimization and demand management, the federal capital can save over Rs. 98 millions annually even on account of electricity bills for the purpose of pumping water only. Because of inadequate flow of wastewater to the treatment plant in Islamabad, it treats only 7 to 8 million gallons per day (MGD) against its total capacity of 17 MGD. The part of treated wastewater also spills into the Lei Nullah since the water is not being utilized for irrigation or other useful purposes. In view of the above analysis, IUWM could prove to be the best ultimate approach to manage water quality and quantity in Islamabad in Pakistan.