From Scarcity To Sustainability: A Study On Reviving Quetta’s Aquifer Through Rainwater Harvesting

Abstract

Growing water demands of the world's population are leading to the depletion of groundwater resources. Increasing Urbanization is changing the natural recharge patterns of aquifers. High abstraction rates of groundwater are adding more pressure on the already stressed aquifer system of Quetta. Depleting water levels are giving rise to water scarcity and land subsidence issues in the city. For centuries rainwater harvesting and managed aquifer recharge has been practiced in semi-arid and arid areas of the world to conserve water resources. This research evaluated the suitability of MAR implementation to both control and preserve further exploitation of the aquifer. Relevant maps were digitalized to create raster layers of data to develop an understanding of hydrologic and geologic conditions.  Estimations reveal that a considerable amount of rainwater can be harvested from different impervious surfaces in the city. Rainwater combined with pre-treated wastewater can reduce the recharge deficit; however, the high abstraction rates need to be controlled to achieve a sustainable equilibrium which can last for seeable future.