Water from Khanpur Dam is suspended until February 15, cutting supplies to Islamabad and Rawalpindi and forcing authorities and residents to adopt emergency conservation measures.
Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been warned to prepare for a serious water shortage after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) announced a temporary suspension of supply from Khanpur Dam. The shutdown, which is linked to annual cleaning of the LBC Canal, will remain in place until February 15, 2026, and is expected to sharply reduce daily water availability in the twin cities.
How Much Water Supply Will Be Cut?
According to the CDA, the suspension of water from Khanpur Dam will affect both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. In Rawalpindi, the daily supply will drop from around 19 million gallons to just 6 million gallons per day. Islamabad’s supply will fall from 9.6 million gallons per day to about 4 million gallons per day during the maintenance period.
This major reduction means that households, businesses and public facilities across the twin cities will have to manage with significantly less water than usual. The Sangjani Water Treatment Plant, which depends heavily on Khanpur Dam, will also operate at reduced capacity, further tightening the overall supply situation.
Why Khanpur Dam Supply Is Being Suspended
Officials say the temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out annual cleaning of the LBC Canal, a critical part of the water supply system. Over time, silt, debris and other deposits build up inside the canal, restricting flow and reducing the efficiency of water delivery to treatment plants and city reservoirs.
By suspending supply and cleaning the canal thoroughly, engineers aim to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted water flow for the rest of the year. Although the maintenance work causes short-term hardship, it is considered essential for keeping the system functional and preventing more serious disruptions or damage in the future.
Emergency Measures by CDA and Local Authorities
In response to the reduced inflow, CDA officials have directed all relevant departments to arrange alternative water supply measures. Emergency provisions and temporary water distribution points are expected to be set up in the most affected neighbourhoods so that residents can access drinking water and basic domestic supply.
The Khanpur Dam Division of the CDA has issued a formal notification about the suspension, and field teams are being instructed to coordinate with local administrations in both cities. Tankers, tube wells and existing storage facilities are likely to be used more heavily during this period to partially bridge the gap created by the dam shutdown.
How Residents Can Manage During the Shortage
Authorities have urged citizens to use water carefully and avoid wastage until normal supply is restored. Residents are being advised to store water where possible, fix leaking taps, limit car washing, reduce lawn watering and avoid unnecessary use of hoses. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers and reusing grey water for cleaning can also help households manage with limited supply.
Businesses, especially restaurants, schools, offices and small industries, have been told to review their water usage plans and put conservation measures in place. Those that depend on continuous water, such as hospitals and critical facilities, are expected to coordinate closely with local authorities to secure priority access through emergency arrangements.
Long-Term Lessons for Urban Water Management
The current shortage highlights how dependent the twin cities are on a limited number of water sources. Planned maintenance at a single dam and canal can create citywide disruption, underlining the need for better storage, leakage control and diversification of supply over the long term.
Officials say that while annual cleaning of canals like LBC is unavoidable, improved planning, public awareness and investment in alternative sources can reduce the impact of such shutdowns. For now, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are being asked to cooperate with conservation efforts until Khanpur Dam supply returns to normal after February 15.
