IWMI project recharges Islamabad groundwater, reduces flooding
IWMI demonstrated a groundwater recharge pilot at Kachnar Park, Islamabad, where a monitored system captured more than 566,000 litres of rainwater since June 2022, raised the local groundwater table by about 4.5 mm and did not compromise water quality. The US$15,000 pilot used real-time gauges, flow instrumentation and groundwater sensors and influenced policy: the Capital Development Authority approved and operates about 200 recharge sites, and the federal government adopted green building and rainwater harvesting provisions in 2025. IWMI estimates harvesting 25 percent of annual rainfall could stabilise groundwater depletion and reduce urban flooding.
Harvesting 25 percent of rainfall can stabilise Islamabad groundwater.
Context
Researchers ran a monitored pilot recharge site at Kachnar Park beginning in June 2022. The pilot showed measurable recharge and low cost. Authorities then approved and expanded recharge sites and adopted rainwater harvesting rules in…
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