Water Supply/Source of Water Supply
Karachi's water demand is continually escalating due to rapid urbanization, as the city serves as the economic nucleus of Pakistan. The demands of industries, commercial activities, and the general populace are placing strain on the existing water supply infrastructure.
The initial water source for Karachi, dating back to 1881, comprised the Dumlottee wells. These wells, constructed to cater to the city's needs, were located approximately 35 kilometers from the city center, drawing water from the bed of the Malir River. Initially providing around 5 million gallons per day (MGD) of water, this system utilized conduits and infiltration galleries for efficient water transfer.

Post-independence, additional water projects were initiated, leading to a total water supply of 650 MGD from two primary sources: the Indus River and Hub Dam. The Indus River water is distributed through an extensive network of conduits, canals, and pipes, supported by multi-stage major pumping stations designed to meet Karachi's needs.
However, despite these efforts, the current population demands exceed the available supply, with a deficit of 600 MGD. The existing bulk water supply system draws water from two main sources: the Indus River and Hub Dam.

Indus River System
Water from the Indus River is conveyed to Karachi through several systems, including the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply (GKBWS) system, the Haleji conduit, and the Dumlottee conduit. The GKBWS system conveys water from Kinjhar Lake to the Dhabeji pumping station, utilizing various canals and conduits.

Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply (GKBWS) system
This system conveys water from Kinjhar Lake to the Dhabeji pumping station through the KG canal, RCC canal, and K-II/K-III canal. The total conveyance capacity between Gujjo and Dhabeji is currently 515 MGD.

Haleji conduit
Initially designed to convey water from Haleji Lake, this conduit supplies water to Gharo, where it is pumped to the filter plant before being distributed to Karachi. Although Haleji Lake is no longer a regular source, supplies are maintained through alternate connections.

Dumlottee conduit
Originally constructed to convey groundwater to the city center, this conduit now receives water from the GK tunnel and K-III conduit. It supplements Karachi's water supply from the Indus River.

Hub Dam System
The Hub Dam, situated across Sindh and Balochistan provinces, diverts water to Karachi through the Karachi Water Supply Canal. This canal, maintained by KW&SB, conveys water to the Manghopir pumping station, which then distributes water to various townships.

Karachi Water Supply Canal
This canal, originating from the Hub Dam, conveys water to the Manghopir pumping station by gravity. From there, water is distributed to several townships in Karachi.

Efforts to enhance water supply infrastructure continue, but the growing demand underscores the need for further investment and efficient management to meet Karachi's water requirements.

Bulk Water Supply

Filtration Plant
The water collected at the bottom of the filter is portable and according to WHO Standard. However, post chlorination is applied before storage in the reservoir for distribution in the city. The minimum requirement of free chlorine in the distribution system according to the WHO standard is 0.25 ppm. However, KWSC maintains 1 ppm free chlorine at the Reservoir outlets to ensure that the minimum requirement is met throughout the distribution network. KWSC is committed to providing total filtration capacity in the future.

Pumping Station
(Excel sheet is provided.)

Water Treatment Plant
The existing water treatment plants are listed below with capacities and year of construction:
Name Process plant manufacturer Capacity (mgd) Date of construction
Gharo -I PCI 10 1944
Gharo-II PCI 10 1953
Pipri-1 Degeremont 25 1971
Pipri-II Wabag 23 1978
COD-Hill Wabag 70 1962
COD-Hill Degeremont 45 1971
N.E.K Old Wabag 25 1978
N.E.K (K-II) PCI 100 1998
Pipri – III Bi-water 50 2005
Hub Treatment Bi-Water 80 2005

Sewerage

Sewerage Management Overview:
Sewerage Generated in City: 472 MGD (70% of Water Supplied)
Optimum Design Capacity of Sewerage Treatment Plants: 150 MGD
Quantity of Sewage Treated: 50 MGD
Shortfall in Sewage Treatment Capacity: 322 MGD
Untreated Sewage: 417 MGD

Inventory of Sewerage System:
Sewerage Treatment Plants: 3 Nos
Major Sewerage Pumping Station: 6 Nos
Sewerage Lift Pumping Station: 32 Nos

Sewer Cleaning Machines:
Suction Machines: 23 Nos
Jetting Machines: 23 Nos
Total Length of Sewers: 5670 Kms
Number of Manholes: 250,000 Nos

Sewage Treatment Plant:
Sewage Treatment Plant Optimum Design Capacity (MGD) Actual Treatment MGD
Sewage Treatment Plant-I (Site) 51.00 MGD 20 MGD
Sewage Treatment Plant-II (Mehmoodabad) 46.50 MGD 0 MGD
Sewage Treatment Plant-III (Mauripur) 54.00 MGD 35 MGD
Total 151.50 MGD 55 MGD

Karachi Water & Sewerage Board is one of the biggest water & wastewater utilities in this region.

Collection System:
TP-1 (Shairshah) covers areas such as SITE, North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Gulberg, and Liaquatabad.
TP-2 (Mehmoodabad) includes Saddar, Jamshed, and Faisal towns.
TP-3 (Mauripur) encompasses SITE, Baldia, Lyari, Saddar, Jamshed, and Iqbal towns.

Treatment Plant:
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has wastewater treatment plants consisting of three sectors. These facilities are dedicated to treating wastewater and ensuring its safe disposal to mitigate environmental pollution.

Reducing Water Pollution:
Initiatives such as the Carbon Capture Project and Sludge Re-use Program aim to reduce water pollution and promote sustainable practices.

Recycling of Wastewater 2027:
Proposed enhancements include expanding the capacity of existing treatment plants and establishing a new Combined Effluent Treatment Plant for industrial zones.

Sewerage Pumping:
Pumping stations like Clifton Pumping Station, PS-2 in Korangi Town, Jamila Pumping Station, Chakiwara Pumping Station, and PS-2 in SITE Town play a crucial role in transporting sewage to treatment plants for processing, ensuring proper wastewater management in Karachi.

Revenue and Resource Generation
The Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) came into existence in April 1983 as a separate entity and has been levying charges for various services in the city through its Revenue Department, which includes charges for water, sewerage, conservancy, and fire services. The Revenue Resource Generation (R.R.G) department is crucial for ensuring sustainable funding for water supply and sewerage services.

Billing Overview:
KW&SC service charges billing was initially done annually until June 30th, 2006.
Since July 1st, 2006, billing has been converted to a monthly basis.
Since July 1st, 2008, sewerage charges have been merged with water charges, and conservancy and fire charges stopped from February 2009. A new bill named 'Utility Bill for Municipal Service Charges' is issued by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

R.R.G Department Sections:
Bulk Section
Retail Section
Metered Consumers Cell
Billing Section
Consumers Education Section
Assessment & Evaluation Section
Establishment Section

Billing Guidelines:
Applications for billing-related matters should be addressed to the Deputy Director/In-charge Officer at the Consumer Service Center or the Deputy Director of the respective town's KW&SC Billing Office. Required documents vary based on the nature of the request, such as new entries, name changes, or corrections in bills.

Connection Guidelines:
Required documents for new water and sewerage commercial connections include:
Requisition on the letterhead of the company/organization/builder for connection.
Duly completed application form.
Revenue stamps on the application form.
Attested copies of CNIC of the applicant.
Attested copies of titled documents of the property.
Approved building plan and covering letter from concerned authorities.
Any other documents required by KW&SC.

Charges and Rates
Charge and rate information for KW&SC domestic connections is provided in an Excel sheet named 'Charge & Rate 2.'

The Revenue and Resource Generation section of KW&SC plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient billing and collection of charges for water supply and sewerage services, thereby facilitating sustainable funding for the corporation's operations and infrastructure development.

Pumping stations