Vulnerability to climate change of surface water resources of coastal areas of Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

The coastal district Thatta of Sindh Province is the area where availability of freshwater is a critical factor for the human survival and livelihood. As such, there are no perennial surface water resources available in the district except of River Indus and its canal system. In view of the changing climate change scenario of the coastal areas of Sindh, this study was undertaken to determine the availability and quality of surface water available in Thatta district. Results of the present investigation indicate that the water from the canals was not suitable for drinking as per WHO guidelines and National Standards for Drinking Water Quality Pakistan. Agriculture run-off, sewage leaks and metals quite often contaminate the surface water resources. However, users have no method to judge its quality except for the taste. Thus, most of the residents drink polluted water unknowingly, and do not question its quality. Increasing variability in rainfall pattern and reduced flow in the River Indus at downstream aggravates the problem that further reducing water supply available for human use.

Keywords:

• Surface water
• Public health quality
• Coastal areas
• Climate change

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Higher Education Commission Pakistan.