Polluted river in Sindh, Pakistan, with trash and industrial waste, woman collecting water.

Is Your Drinking Water Safe? Environmental Crisis in Sindh Province, Pakistan

Lena Kashyap in Climate & Environment June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into how industrial and agricultural pollution threatens water quality and public health in one of Pakistan's most vulnerable regions."

In many developing nations, including Pakistan, both surface and groundwater serve as essential resources for drinking, agriculture, and industry. However, the lack of adequate wastewater treatment facilities poses a significant threat. Untreated wastewater is routinely discharged into water bodies, rendering the water unsafe for consumption and reuse.

This contamination has far-reaching consequences, damaging the environment and causing serious health problems for local populations. Common agricultural practices, such as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, further exacerbate the issue as runoff from irrigated fields pollutes surface and groundwater sources. This ultimately leads to a decline in water quality, raising environmental concerns, and increasing adverse health risks.

A recent study focusing on the Sindh province in Pakistan sheds light on the detrimental effects of industrial, agricultural, and raw sewage effluents discharged into the Left Bank Outfall Drainage (LBOD) system. The findings reveal a disturbing degradation of both surface water bodies and groundwater quality, with potentially devastating consequences for public health and the environment.

The Polluted Reality: Understanding Water Contamination in Sindh

Polluted river in Sindh, Pakistan, with trash and industrial waste, woman collecting water.

Sindh province faces a severe water quality challenge. A staggering 78% of its groundwater is classified as brackish or saline, making it unsuitable for drinking and domestic use. Despite this, many people rely on this contaminated groundwater due to the lack of readily available fresh surface water. This dependence on unsafe water sources has become a major contributor to the spread of waterborne diseases, including hypertension, dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis.

The study's analysis of water samples collected from drains and groundwater reveals alarmingly high levels of pollution, rendering the water unfit for both human consumption and aquatic life. This environmental crisis demands immediate attention and comprehensive action to safeguard public health and protect the region's precious water resources.

Industrial Discharge: Untreated industrial wastewater is a primary source of pollution, containing harmful chemicals and toxins.
Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture seep into water bodies, contaminating them with pollutants.
Raw Sewage: Untreated sewage adds bacteria and pathogens to the water supply, posing severe health risks.
LBOD System: The Left Bank Outfall Drainage system, designed to address waterlogging and salinity, has become a conduit for pollutants, further degrading water quality.

The consequences of this widespread water contamination are far-reaching, impacting not only human health but also the environment and the local economy. Urgent measures are needed to mitigate the effects of pollution, protect water resources, and ensure access to safe drinking water for the people of Sindh.

What Can Be Done? Solutions for a Water Crisis

Addressing the water contamination crisis in Sindh Province requires a multi-pronged approach that involves government intervention, community engagement, and technological solutions. Implementing stricter regulations on industrial discharge, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure are crucial steps towards improving water quality and protecting public health. Raising awareness among local communities about the risks of contaminated water and promoting safe hygiene practices can also play a significant role in preventing waterborne diseases. It's time to ensure the water is safe for all residents of Sindh Province.

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This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2375-4397.1000204, Alternate LINK

Title: Environmental Concerns For Water Consumption From Polluted Water Bodies In Watershed Area Of Sindh Province

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Pollution Effects & Control

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Mahessar Aa, Qureshi Al, Ursani H, Tunio I, Kandhro B, Kandhro B, Memon Sa

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary sources of water contamination in Sindh Province, Pakistan?

The primary sources of water contamination in Sindh Province, Pakistan include industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and raw sewage. Untreated industrial wastewater introduces harmful chemicals and toxins. Agricultural practices, particularly the use of fertilizers and pesticides, lead to runoff that pollutes water sources. Raw sewage introduces bacteria and pathogens, posing significant health risks. The Left Bank Outfall Drainage (LBOD) system, designed for water management, has unfortunately become a conduit for these pollutants, further degrading water quality.

Why is the groundwater in Sindh Province considered unsafe for drinking?

A staggering 78% of the groundwater in Sindh Province is classified as brackish or saline, making it unsuitable for drinking and domestic use. Despite this, many residents rely on this contaminated groundwater due to the scarcity of fresh surface water. This reliance on unsafe water sources is a major contributor to the spread of waterborne diseases.

What health risks are associated with the contaminated water in Sindh Province?

The consumption of contaminated water in Sindh Province leads to various health problems, including hypertension, dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. The presence of industrial chemicals, agricultural pollutants, and pathogens from raw sewage directly contributes to these illnesses. The LBOD system, contaminated by various pollutants, further increases the risks.

How does the Left Bank Outfall Drainage (LBOD) system contribute to water pollution in Sindh?

The Left Bank Outfall Drainage (LBOD) system in Sindh, originally designed to manage waterlogging and salinity, has become a significant factor in water pollution. Instead of effectively managing water resources, it now acts as a conduit for pollutants, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. This has resulted in a disturbing degradation of both surface water bodies and groundwater quality, exacerbating the environmental crisis and posing severe threats to public health.

What measures are needed to address the water contamination crisis in Sindh Province?

Addressing the water contamination crisis in Sindh Province requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. This includes implementing stricter regulations on industrial discharge to control the release of harmful chemicals and toxins. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, is crucial to minimize runoff. Investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to treat raw sewage before it enters water bodies. Additionally, raising awareness among local communities about the risks of contaminated water and promoting safe hygiene practices are vital to prevent waterborne diseases. These measures are crucial to ensure the water is safe for all residents of Sindh Province.