Water Supply

Dams are a vital part of Pakistan’s water supply system. They provide water for irrigation, drinking, and industry. Dams in Pakistan also generate hydroelectric power, which is a major source of electricity in Pakistan. For these reasons, dams are critical to the economic development of the country. Another important function of dams is that they control floods by regulating the flow of water downstream. For example, the Tarbela Dam prevents floods from damaging Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Indus River feeds into this dam, protecting those two cities. The Tarbela Dam is currently experiencing some problems due to sedimentation and silt build-up in the reservoir. As more rivers dry up because of climate change, more people will be using the Tarbela Dam as their main source of water.