Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Water Management Practices in Murree

Abstract

Murree, one of the most attractive hill stations in Pakistan, is facing acute shortage of water combined with poor access. Keeping in view the national scenario of water scarcity and the importance of Murree as one of the most visited tourist spots of Pakistan, this study investigates the present situation of drinking water quality, efficiency of water management system and satisfaction level of local population regarding water quality and management. The relevant data was collected through household surveys using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews of key personnel of Joint Water Board Murree using the International Water Association (IWA) efficiency assessment matrix. The results of the household surveys and secondary data taken from Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) and Town Municipal Administration (TMA) revealed that the physical quality of drinking water in Murree was satisfactory. The respondents observed a temporary change in the quality of water mostly in the monsoon season due to flow of extra organic materials into the open water sources. The results of the IWA efficiency assessment matrix disclosed that the water utility in Murree was on the below average efficiency level with an overall utility efficiency score of 1.5. The satisfaction level of local residents was observed to be very low regarding services provided by the water utility. The problems related to water quality and management of drinking water in Murree can only be resolved through cooperation of government and local community and development of an autonomous water department to run the water utility effectively.