Pakistan is currently facing a serious water scarcity crisis. Despite receiving significant rainfall annually, most of this natural resource goes to waste due to a lack of proper collection and storage systems. With urban populations growing and groundwater levels declining, it has become crucial to adopt sustainable water-saving solutions. One highly practical method is rainwater harvesting — especially through smart roof designs that can be easily implemented in common household settings such as 10 marla homes.
The proposed system involves designing sloped roofs that direct rainwater toward a central funnel. At this collection point, a fine mesh or net is installed to filter out leaves, twigs, and other debris. From there, the water passes through a sand filtration unit which removes finer particles and impurities. The clean, non-potable water is then stored in underground or above-ground tanks and can be used for various household purposes such as washing, cleaning, gardening, and toilet flushing.
On average, Pakistan receives about 494 mm of rainfall annually. In certain northern regions, this amount can exceed 1, 000 mm. For a 10 marla house, which typically has a roof area of around 2, 250 square feet, this rainfall could generate up to 280, 000 litres of water per year — if properly harvested. This not only eases pressure on municipal water supplies but also promotes environmental sustainability and responsible resource use. And being a woman, this initiative also reflects how women can actively participate in addressing environmental problems efficiently, especially within their communities and households.
A simple yet effective rainwater harvesting system could help thousands of households in Pakistan reduce water consumption, lower utility bills, and contribute to solving the larger national water crisis. Given the affordability and adaptability of this model, especially for residential areas, it should be actively promoted by both the public and private sectors. Investing in such solutions today can help secure Pakistan’s water future for tomorrow.
