Why are Quetta residents buying water from private tankers?

Many residents rely on private tankers because Quetta's municipal water system is unreliable and often fails to provide a consistent public water supply.

What is causing Quetta's groundwater levels to drop so drastically?

Over 30,000 illegal tube wells, coupled with unregulated extraction and low rainfall, are rapidly depleting Quetta's groundwater reserves.

When will the Mangi Dam project ease Quetta's water shortage?

The Mangi Dam project is expected to be completed by March 2026 and will initially supply 8.1 million gallons of water daily.

Home / Environment / 30,000 Illegal Wells Drain Quetta's Future

30,000 Illegal Wells Drain Quetta's Future

20 Jan

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Summary

Quetta residents rely on private tankers due to lack of public water supply.
Over 30,000 illegal tube wells are depleting groundwater reserves rapidly.
A 2026 project aims to supply 8.1 million gallons of water daily.

30,000 Illegal Wells Drain Quetta's Future

Quetta is grappling with a worsening water crisis, leaving even established neighborhoods without a reliable public water supply. Many residents, like those on Jamiat Rai Street, now depend on costly private water tankers as a permanent solution.

The excessive use of over 30,000 illegal tube wells, alongside weak public systems, has severely depleted the region's groundwater. Groundwater levels are dropping by two to five meters annually, with the water table falling from 50 meters in 2000 to over 150 meters by 2023.

Officials have warned of an impending water emergency, but citizens report years of unaddressed complaints to elected representatives. Although some areas have seen temporary relief from newly installed tube wells, the supply remains inconsistent, with many areas receiving water only once a week.