Pakistan can do a lot domestically to use water more efficiently, as well as improve the quality of the water that it uses. The quality of groundwater and surface-water is low and is further deteriorating because of the unchecked disposal of untreated municipal and industrial wastewater and excessive use of fertilizers and insecticides. The pollution levels are particularly high in and around major urban centers, due primarily to the discharge of hazardous industrial wastes including persistent toxic synthetic organic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticide products and municipal wastes, causing widespread water-borne and water-washed diseases.

Water quality monitoring and information management is lacking as no consolidated effort has been made in the past to monitor the quality of drinking water at the national level. As a consequence, no comprehensive data set is available on the quality of drinking water. Different organizations - including the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and some individual consultants - have conducted short-term studies on water quality assessment of a few cities. 

Many avoidable diseases are caused by an insanitary water supply. An alarming number of contaminants make it to groundwater, which is accessed through wells and is the primary source of water for most of the rural population.

A permanent water quality monitoring program needs to be put in place, which can be used to keep a check on changes in surface and groundwater quality, as well as groundwater levels. Hydrologists and other water specialists need to be up-to-speed with the latest research and techniques in the field. A national computer database should be set up, allowing easy access through the internet. Once a satisfactory data set is in place for most regions, sound remedial measures can be implemented. Meanwhile, awareness initiatives need to be put in the place to educate the population of the potential threats of poor water quality. Such initiatives also need to encourage active water conservation.