Punjab is set to see a major upgrade in water management as the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) rolls out smart water meters across the province. These advanced meters, similar to electricity and gas systems, will allow consumers to pay based on actual water usage, ending the reliance on flat-rate billing systems and ensuring fair charges for all households.
According to officials, the new meters will also help eliminate water theft and illegal connections. Each household will receive an individual meter, making it easier to monitor usage and prevent unauthorized access to the water supply. The rollout will be supervised by BS-19 officer Shazil Waqar, who has been appointed as the Project Director for the installation process.
This initiative is part of a broader plan approved by WASA, which includes two additional large-scale projects aimed at improving water infrastructure and management in 41 cities across Punjab, with a total estimated cost of around Rs.5 billion. One of the key projects focuses on recharge wells to address declining groundwater levels. Led by BS-19 officer Imran Qureshi, this project will capture rainwater during the monsoon season and channel it underground, helping restore aquifers that have been depleted due to drought, overuse of tube wells, and reduced rainfall.
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Authorities also plan to preserve open spaces near parks, roads, offices, and commercial areas, ensuring that rainwater is absorbed efficiently rather than lost through drainage systems. Modern techniques will guarantee that water quickly seeps into the ground, supporting long-term water sustainability. The recharge wells project has already been implemented in Lahore, where groundwater levels have fallen below 700 feet due to prolonged water shortages and urban development.
Another significant component of WASA’s plan is the Punjab Development Programme-II, which focuses on designing and installing modern drainage and sewerage systems in 34 newly established WASA cities. The first phase is underway in 16 cities, with remaining areas scheduled for work after Eid. Senior BS-20 officer Ghufran Ahmed, Managing Director of WASA Lahore, has been assigned additional charge as Project Director for this program while continuing his existing responsibilities.
With these measures, Punjab aims to modernize its water infrastructure, prevent wastage, and ensure reliable supply for residents while supporting sustainable groundwater management and urban planning across the province.
