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PAKISTANS DRINKING WATER AND

ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION STATUS IN
POST 2010 FLOOD SCENARIO: HUMANITARIAN
RESPONSE AND COMMUNITY NEEDS

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Shams Ali Baig, Xinhua Xu, Naveedullah, Niaz Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Bahadar Nawab, Qaisar Mahmood
and Rashid Khan, 2012. Pakistans Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation Status in Post 20100126-2807
ISSN Flood
Scenario: Humanitarian Response And Community Needs.

Volume 7, Number 1: 49-54, March, 2012

T2012 Department of Environmental Engineering
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Research Paper

PAKISTANS DRINKING WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION

STATUS IN POST 2010 FLOOD SCENARIO: HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE
AND COMMUNITY NEEDS
SHAMS ALI BAIG1,2*, XINHUA XU1, NAVEEDULLAH1, NIAZ MUHAMMAD1,
ZIA ULLAH KHAN1, BAHADAR NAWAB2, QAISAR MAHMOOD2 and RASHID KHAN3
1Collegeof Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058, Peoples
Republic of China.
2Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of IT Abbottabad, Pakistan.
3Water and Sanitation Department, World Vision International Islamabad, Pakistan.

*Corresponding Author: Phone: +86-571-87951239; Email address: shamsalibaig@yahoo.com

Received: 30th January 2012; Revised: 12th February 2012; Accepted: 22th February 2012

Abstract: The flood of July, 2010 severely influenced on drinking water and
environmental sanitation systems in 82 out of 122 districts of Pakistan. As a
consequence, several humanitarian organizations launched water supply and
environmental sanitation relief and rehabilitation programs in the affected areas.
Field standard methods were used to examine drinking water quality of 100
randomly collected samples and communities needs were investigated by
conducting FGDs and personal interviews in two targeted districts (Swat and
Sukkur). Moreover, different NGOs approaches in the provision of drinking water
and environmental sanitation services were also critical analyzed. Microbiological
water quality results indicated that 76%, 80% and 92%, 86% of water samples
contains E. coli and total Coliforms in district Swat and Sukkur respectively.
Turbidity, pH and conductivity of most of the water samples were within WHO
standards. In the field studies it was noticed that the local people demands were
changed from emergency to early recovery phase and also their perceptions on
relief activities were not rational. Moreover, community participation during
assessment was highly recommended.

Keywords: Humanitarian organization, rehabilitation, intervention, assessment, monitoring

49
Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation, 7 (1): 49-54.
 Shams Ali Baig, Xinhua Xu, Naveedullah, Niaz Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Bahadar Nawab, Qaisar Mahmood
and Rashid Khan, 2012. Pakistans Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation Status in Post 2010 Flood
Scenario: Humanitarian Response And Community Needs.

INTRODUCTION

Pakistan 2010s floods began on 28th of July following of heavy monsoon rains
throughout the country and affected the districts in or around Indus River and its tributary
systems [1]. Consequently, around 20 million people in 82 districts were directly affected
throughout the country and the flash floods caused the destruction of every livelihood sources
and death toll reached to 2,000 [2, 3]. According to United Nations estimation, the numbers of
people affected from Pakistans 2010s floods were exceeding with the combined total affected
individuals by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami [4], the 2005 Kashmirs earthquake (Pakistan) [5,
6] and the 2010 Haitis earthquake [4]. Government of Pakistan (GoP) in collaboration with
World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimated the total damaged more than
US$ 10 billion. Fig. 1 shows sector wise estimated cost of the damages for the three revival
phases drafted by GoP in collaboration with WB and ADB.
Nearly 75% of the worldwide communicable diseases are waterborne [7]. The removals of
diseases causing organisms from drinking water are absolutely necessary to healthy life [8].
The quality of water supplied to community was often poor due to leaky network during the
intermittent flow system in Pakistan [6, 9]. As a result, contaminants from the open sewage
drains in rural areas enter into water supply systems. However, in urban water rich areas,
people rely on groundwater source usually contaminated by pour flush pit latrines [9]. Currently,
up to 65% of Pakistans population has accessed to drinking water and around 70 % of
Pakistans drinking water sources are microbiologically unsafe [10-12]. Pakistans population
growth is expected to reach 221 million by the year 2025 and it will be very difficult to fulfill the
water demands. Additionally, water availability was also already dropped to 1000 m3 per capita
in 2006 from 5600 m3 per capita in 1953 [13, 14]. Pakistan is very prone to natural calamities
[6]. Moreover, drinking water and environmental sanitation (WASH) infrastructures in the
affected areas are exceedingly poor, and it already failed to quality, access, and sustainability
of services. Hence, the recent disasters further scaled down the availability of clean water. But
as results of the flash flood WASH services were further destroyed (Table 1) and their
rehabilitations are big challenges to NGOs and Government.
The objectives of this study were; 1) to know the extent of damages to WASH
infrastructures and check the quality of potable water in internally displaced person (IDP)
camps and settles areas, 2) to get insights in to the humanitarian organizations response to
provide WASH services in post floods scenario and 3) to understand community perceptions on
humanitarian response.

Fig. 1: Sector wise estimated cost of 2010s flood damages

50
Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation, 7 (1): 49-54.
 Shams Ali Baig, Xinhua Xu, Naveedullah, Niaz Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Bahadar Nawab, Qaisar Mahmood
and Rashid Khan, 2012. Pakistans Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation Status in Post 2010 Flood
Scenario: Humanitarian Response And Community Needs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Geographical setting of the study area

Two districts (Swat and Sukkur) were selected for this study based on the following
reasons.. Firstly, both districts were severely affected by the flash floods and on category A list
[2]. Secondly, the people in both the districts have different socio-cultural norms and
perceptions regarding humanitarian response. Fig 2 shows Pakistan map and the affected
areas.

Water sampling and testing

Three IDP camps and 7 villages were purposively selected in each district for water quality
assessment, once in the mid (2.5 months) of the 5 months emergency response. In each IDP
camp and village 5 water consumer tap stands were randomly selected for water sampling
according to standard procedures. One hundred water samples were collected for examination
in both the districts (15 from 3 IDP camps and 35 samples from 7 villages in each district).
Portable Oxfam kit (developed at University of Surrey, UK) was used for total coliforms and E
coli testing by using MLSB media. pH meter (Hanna Instruments HI 98129), turbidity meter
(Loviband GmnH 44287 Dortmund PC 43637, Germany) and Horriba water quality meter
(Horriba WQ, Japan) were used for pH, turbidity and conductivity measurements.

Fig. 2: Map of Pakistan showing River Indus and its eastern tributaries system with flood
affected districts

Social assessment study

Qualitative research consist of two type of social assessment surveys were usually carried
out in parallels and followed descriptive observational and cross sectional design [15]. In one
hand communitys perceptions, and needs were randomly assessed using different research
tools e.g. FGDs and interviews. On the other hand, to get the insight into the humanitarian
response WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) cluster bi-monthly meetings were attended in
both hubs. WASH cluster, later on was renamed Early Recovery Working Group on Water and
Sanitation (ERWGWS).

51
Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation, 7 (1): 49-54.
 Shams Ali Baig, Xinhua Xu, Naveedullah, Niaz Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Bahadar Nawab, Qaisar Mahmood
and Rashid Khan, 2012. Pakistans Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation Status in Post 2010 Flood
Scenario: Humanitarian Response And Community Needs.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Water quality results

During field visits it was noticed that availability of drinking water to affected people in 6
selected IDPs camps and 14 villages were ensured by the NGOs just after 2.5 months of
floods. Quantitatively, water from different sources was provided to each hamlet and seen
operational during the field visits. But, qualitatively different ground situations were assessed
and recorded by testing water quality. Table 2 shows the result of five physio-chemical and
biological water quality parameters. E. coli in the water samples of IDPs camps and villages in
Swat and Sukkur 76% and 92% respectively were recorded. Moreover, nearly 6,000 water and
supply and sanitation schemes were completely destroyed by the flash floods (Table 1).
Distribution pipeline networks were also leaked in the joints allowing sewage water could enters
into the pipe. The secondary data from BHU (Basic Health Unit) in both the districts showed
higher gastrointestinal and diarrheal cases, mostly in children. Total Coliforms also showed
enormous colonies in both the districts with an overall 83% sample were above WHO
standards (Table 2). Nearly 15% of water samples showed higher turbidity level. This high
turbidity was recorded in district Swats sample and it is because of the few villages water
supply systems were directly connected to stream sources and supplied without sedimentation.
pH of two samples in district Swat also showed higher values than the permissible limit and this
high pH of the spring source water in the high altitude mountain in upper Swat could because in
the presence of carbonates and bicarbonates rocks. Hence, conductivity of the said two water
samples was also above the standards limits.

Table 1: Area wise water supply and sanitation schemes damages

S. No Province/National Water Supply Sanitation Total
1 AJK, FATA & Gilgit Baltistan 370 256 626
2 Baluchistan 146 - 146
3 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2,812 1,111 3,923
4 Panjub 125 1,068 1,193
5 Sindh 611 407 1,018

Table 2. Water quality assessment results in both the districts

Water Quality Parameter Swat (n=50) n* Sukkur (n=50) Total (n=100) WHO (PL)
(%) n* (%) n* (%)
E. coli 50 (100) 50 (100) 100 (100) 00cfu/100ml
- Positive/ -Negative 38 (76)/12 (24) 46 (92)/4 (8) 84 (84)/16 (16)
Total Coliforms 50 (100) 50 (100) 100 (100) 00cfu/100ml
- Positive/ -Negative 40 (80)/10 (20) 43 (86)/7 (14) 83 (83)/17 (17)
Turbidity 50 (100) 50 (100) 100 (100) 5 NTU
- Below/ -Above PL 45 (90)/5 (10) 40 (80)/10 (20) 85 (85)/15 (15)
pH 50 (100) 50 (100) 100 (100) 6.5-8.5
- Within/ -Not within PL 48 (96)/2 (4) 50 (100)/0 (0) 98 (98)/2 (2)
Conductivity 50 (100) 50 (100) 100 (100) 1000s/cm
- Within/ -Not within PL 48 (96)/2 (4) 50 (100)/0 (0) 98 (98)/2 (2)
n: Number of total sample, n*: Percentage of parameter recorded results of each test, PL:
permissible limits

52
Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation, 7 (1): 49-54.
 Shams Ali Baig, Xinhua Xu, Naveedullah, Niaz Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Bahadar Nawab, Qaisar Mahmood
and Rashid Khan, 2012. Pakistans Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation Status in Post 2010 Flood
Scenario: Humanitarian Response And Community Needs.

Humanitarian approach to water and environmental sanitation

Soon after the floods began in northern Pakistan, GoP in collaboration with WB, ADB and
NGOs established humanitarian forum at federal level [2]. Federal level NDMA and Provincial
level PDMAs were made responsible to enhance coordination and collaboration with all NGOs.
Provincial based PDMAs in collaboration of UN-OCHA were succeeded in organizing cluster
meetings at hub level of each sector. Records show that in the first meeting in district Swat
and Sukkur, 32 and 26, respectively NGOs were registered. So, the narrated summary
presented in this discussion section is the outcome of attending cluster meetings of WASH
sector named as WASH cluster during emergency phase. But later on WASH cluster was
renamed as ERWGWS and the same tasks. Each partner NGO shared their emergency
response strategy in the WASH cluster meetings in both the hubs and hence the following
WASH related activities were supposed to carry out in the affected areas under emergency
WASH approach [16, 17]. In the first three months, NGOs were focused on clean drinking
waters tankering to IDPs camps and affected settlements; quick fixing of pipe joints, removal of
debris from wells and bore holes, installation of VIP (Ventilated Improved Pit) latrines; clean up
campaigns, distribution of hygiene kits and hygiene sessions activities were deliberately
discussed in the meetings and showed satisfactions over the progress in the field. Afterwards,
when the emergency response period was announced over by NDMA and proposed to focus
on early recovery and mid to long term development interventions of each development sector.
Afterwards, ERWGWS emphasized to strengthen coordination mechanism among the partner
NGOs. Therefore, in both districts UNICEF took the leads of ERWGWS sector and organized
meetings in each hub. Moreover, new strategy was introduced that reiterated the efforts of
completely rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged WASH schemes as per international
standards. While sitting in the meetings it seemed that all the field activities were implemented
so smoothly, but field surveys indicated that most of the affected people were not satisfied over
the humanitarian response in contrast to NGOs claims.

Social assessment study

Communitys needs priorities and their perceptions about the humanitarians relief and
rehabilitation efforts during the flood emergency phase were assessed and narrated here for an
in depth cross sectional analysis. In different periods during the emergency phase, the affected
communitys needs and perceptions were observed changing about the aid provided by NGOs,
and it proved the assumption of the research conducted in 2006 in the same cultural and
geographical setup [18]. Formerly, no NGO was seen in upper Swat after one week of the flash
floods, as the main road was washed away and people were demanding to rehabilitate the road
link. After 10 days of the first visit when the road was partially open, few NGOs were seen
delivering water disinfectants, but the communitys needs were food and shelters. In district
Sukkur quite high numbers of people were displaced and the situations were observed worst in
term of relief delivery. Clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and mosquito net were the
urgent demands of the affected people besides food and shelter. Many NGOs were initiated
fully fledged relief activities, but devastations were so enormous and relief workers were only
bounded in the main settlements. Anyhow, when the times passed the numbers of water
related risks further reduced because of the self supported rehabilitation activities. Moreover, in
the final FGDs survey in both the districts, it was observed that only 50% affected people were
satisfied on humanitarian response during the emergency phase.

53
Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation, 7 (1): 49-54.
 Shams Ali Baig, Xinhua Xu, Naveedullah, Niaz Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Bahadar Nawab, Qaisar Mahmood
and Rashid Khan, 2012. Pakistans Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation Status in Post 2010 Flood
Scenario: Humanitarian Response And Community Needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable improvements were seen during the five months study period in the
provision of WASH services in 2010s floods affected areas. It was noticed during field visits
that communitys demands were changed as times passes and NGOs might not judge this
variation in their DNA. Hence, 50% of the respondents were not satisfied over the humanitarian
response and complaints about the contrast in their needs and reliefs offered. Drinking water
quality results in both the districts showed high microbiologically contaminated and posed high
risks to public health. Participatory needs assessment and regularly drinking water quality
monitoring and improvement can further enhance relief efforts and project outcomes.

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