ISLAMABAD, June 16: The per capita water availability has decreased while provision of fresh water is at risk in many parts of the country, a study conducted by the ministry of environment says.

Increased population, urbanization and the continued industrial development have placed immense stress on the water resources, it said. The extended drought and the non-development of additional water resources have aggravated the water scarcity situation with water level decreasing in urban areas.

Besides, water-table in the country has been falling down at a rate of 10 feet every year. According to the report, per capita water availability has decreased from 5,650 m3 in 1951 to 1,000 m3 in 2001-02.

Various estimates have been made in connection with water quality. The report also observed that on most counts, including temperature, dissolved solids and biological oxygen demand, the water was safe.

In general, the physical quality of water in the country was good. As far as chemical characteristics are concerned, according to the report, the value of turbidity in some areas such as Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Gujrat, Hyderabad, Sukkar and Ziarat exceeded the WHO standard of 5 NTU.

The value of electrical conductivity in 21 cities ranged from 170-930 uS/cm. Similarly, the pH value of all samples collected ranged from 6.1-9.0 against the WHO recommended guideline range of 6.5-8.5 for drinking water.

The chemical quality of water was found to be within the recommended levels with respect to calcium and chromium. However, higher arsenic contents were found in samples collected from Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Hyderabad.

According to the WHO, the groundwater of Lahore, up to 700 feet deep, has been contaminated and should not be used for human consumption. In 1989, pollution was found to the depth of 300ft, and to 500ft in 1992.