Water Insecurity and Its Impact on Health: Lived Experiences from Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

Water insecurity, characterized by poor water quality and limited access to safe water, is a leading contributor to health hazards globally, yet its specific impacts remain underexplored in Pakistan. This qualitative study investigates the perceived health consequences of water insecurity in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, focusing on the communities of New Lalazar and Gorakhpur. Using ethnographic methods, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 80 purposively sampled individuals, the study uncovers prevalent perceptions of waterborne diseases, primarily gastrointestinal disorders like dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera, alongside dermatological issues such as rashes and itching. The high salt concentration in the local water is believed to cause premature aging symptoms, including grey hair, hair loss, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and excessive phlegm production. Psychological stress stemming from the financial and time burden of securing water further exacerbates the community’s challenges. This research highlights the dual impact of physical illness and psychological distress, both intensified by water insecurity in the region.