Punjab to Install Over 150,000 Smart Water Meters in 3 Major Cities

Punjab province intends to deploy more than 150,000 smart water meters in key cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad by 2029, according to the government's plan. The move aims to enhance water management and counteract the dwindling groundwater levels. This decision came during a meeting chaired by Secretary of Housing Punjab, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, where discussions took place on various water meter models and ongoing groundwater recharge initiatives throughout Punjab.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) disclosed the necessity of 1,509,288 water meters statewide. Among these, 150,900 meters are earmarked for the three major cities by 2029. Mengal emphasized the urgency of initiating water metering projects in the three cities and other districts without delay. He highlighted that the smart metering system would enable automated readings, thereby eliminating the need for manual readings by staff and promoting transparency in the process.

The system is designed using modern technology. Mengal also addressed the progress on groundwater recharge projects across the province. Plans are underway for 70 recharge wells, with 20 already fully operational. Additional projects for 40 recharge wells in Lahore, 25 in Multan, and five in Faisalabad are currently in progress. Authorities anticipate a conservation of 11.4 million gallons of water annually through these recharge wells.

Secretary Housing directed officials to broaden the scope of groundwater recharge wells and incorporate water metering and rainwater harvesting into Punjab's comprehensive water management strategy. The meeting also delved into water conservation techniques employed in other countries. WASA officials mentioned that relatively affordable water meters would be procured from neighboring countries.