Water Quality Varies Sharply Across Pakistan: Expert
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 7th Sep, 2026) Water quality and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels vary dramatically across Pakistan, with relatively low levels found in freshwater sources in mountainous regions and extremely high concentrations recorded in saline groundwater areas such as Cholistan, a water quality expert said.
Saiqa Imran, Director, National Water Quality Laboratory, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), explained:
“Higher salt content means a higher TDS level,” she said while talking to APP.
She noted that water in Islamabad generally has TDS levels ranging from around 300 to 600 milligrams per litre, while freshwater in Hunza could have a TDS level of approximately 200 milligrams per litre.
The situation significantly differs in parts of southern Punjab, where groundwater contains much higher concentrations of dissolved salts. In Bahawalpur, groundwater may have high TDS levels, whereas in Cholistan, TDS can reach around 25,000 to 30,000 milligrams per litre.
Such regional variations highlight why water treatment approaches cannot be standardized across the board.
National Standards
The National Drinking Water Quality Standard allows TDS up to 1,000 milligrams per litre for drinking water, while the standard for bottled water is 500 milligrams per litre. However, Saiqa Imran emphasized that:
TDS is only one water quality parameter and does not establish overall drinking water safety.
Water with an acceptable TDS level can still contain harmful substances like arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, heavy metals, or microbial contaminants. Therefore, laboratory testing is essential to determine the presence of these potential health hazards.
Tailored Testing
PCRWR has conducted comprehensive water quality monitoring across the country, identifying varying types of contamination in different regions. Saiqa Imran recommended that testing be adapted to local conditions:
- In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, nitrate may be a crucial parameter for groundwater testing.
- Arsenic and other contaminants require attention in areas like Lahore, Kasur, Bahawalpur, and Multan.
- Fluoride and arsenic testing are relevant in parts of Punjab and Sindh, depending on local water sources and known contamination patterns.
Addressing Microbial Contamination
Microbial contamination is a separate concern that can occur regardless of TDS levels. Bacteria and viruses can be controlled through suitable disinfection methods like chlorination, ultraviolet treatment, and ozonation. Chemical contaminants necessitate specific treatment technologies.
The expert urged consumers to go beyond relying solely on TDS measurements for water quality assessment and encouraged them to support comprehensive testing and safe water practices.
