Lack of safe drinking water causes diarrhea in 500 million children below of age 5 in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Pakistan there are 100 million cases of diarrhea annually said Chief Executive M/S Progressive Consulting Engineers, Inc USA Engineer Naeem Qureshi while delivering a lecture on "Water Sustainability through Conservation" organised by Pakistan Engineering Congress on Tuesday.
President Pakistan Engineering Congress Engineer Hussain Ahmed and Secretary PEC Engineer Chaudhry Ghulam Hussain were also present on the occasion. Engineer Qureshi said that about 20 to 40 percent of hospital beds are occupied with patients experiencing water related disease.
Eight percent of the total deaths were caused by water borne diseases. About one third of deaths in Pakistan were caused by water borne diseases. Qureshi said that water conservation is critical for the survival of Pakistan, as fresh water resources are very limited. He also said that demand of drinking water is increasing day by day while drinking water is decreasing. Presently about 60 to 70 percent of water is wasted in Pakistan due to leakage and wastage.
In New Delhi 20 million-gallon per day additional water become available after embarking on leak detection and water conservation measures. The population of Pakistan is increased by 24 percent in the last decade from 139 million in 2000 to 173 million in 2010. In Karachi above 50 % of water is lost due to leakage and illegal connections.
Qureshi said that Pakistan should take steps for the consummation of water and on the promotion of its effective use. Many areas of Pakistan are currently facing serious water shortages. The efficient use of water through water conservation will reduce the capital and operational costs leading to economic stability and growth. This will also result in the protection of the environment.
Qureshi said that by conducting a leak detection survey the leakage in the distribution system could be identified. This is done by attaching a listening device on two adjacent valves. He also said that conservation has to start with public education. This includes printed material to increase the awareness of water conservation. The awareness campaign should be started from schools in children.
He said that in order to increase the public awareness about water conservation steps like dissemination of information and installation of meter to record consumption. Other steps, which should be taken, are meter reading billing and collection and fiscal planning and operation training.
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