PESHAWAR: Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) and National Institute of Urban Infrastructure Planning (NIUIP) at the University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a joint study titled ‘ground water mapping and aquifer assessment’ in urban areas of the provincial capital.

The purpose of the MoU is to foster collaboration between WSSP and NIUIP in the field of water and sanitation, benefiting both professionals and the general public in urban areas of the provincial capital.

Director NIUIP Dr Rashid Rehan and general manager planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, WSSP, Syed Zameerul Hassan signed the agreement during a ceremony held at NIUIP.

The study, which is financially supported by Unicef, is expected to be completed within a year.

Under the agreement, the researchers will analyse the spatial variations in the hydraulic properties of the sub-soil and aquifer, assess the availability of groundwater resources, and project future water demands for both the population and small industries.

The study will also evaluate the infiltration capacity of various locations under dry and wet conditions, quantify current groundwater extraction rates, determine the direction of groundwater flow, and identify water-stressed areas within WSSP’s operational zones.

Additionally, it aims to determine sustainable extraction rates for different areas, map groundwater aquifers, and establish an appropriate groundwater model. The research will also help identify suitable locations for groundwater recharge wells to enhance water sustainability.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2025