Pakistan is facing a growing water security crisis driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, groundwater depletion, climate variability, and limited wastewater treatment. Per capita water availability has declined from around 5,000 m³ in the 1950s to less than 1,000 m³ today, placing the country in conditions of water scarcity. The uncontrolled discharge of untreated wastewater continues to contaminate surface and groundwater sources, increasing public health risks and environmental degradation.
This briefing introduces Nature-Based Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems as a practical, climate-resilient approach that integrates rainwater harvesting, ecological wastewater treatment, groundwater recharge, and local reuse. By safely treating and reusing water on-site, these systems minimise liquid discharge while strengthening water security and service reliability.