New Water extraction fees introduced for bore owners in Islamabad

The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has implemented new regulations regarding the extraction of water from the ground through boreholes, introducing fees for bore owners in Islamabad.

Under the new notification, citizens are now required to pay taxes for extracting water from the ground via boreholes, according to Pakistani media reports.

Residents in Islamabad often opt for borewells for reliable water sources amid water scarcity as well as the unavailability of government-supplied water pipelines in various parts of the capital Islamabad. Previously, no tax was levied on the utilization of government-owned underground water. However, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad has now imposed a tax on accessing underground water through boreholes.

The notification outlines specific water charges based on the horsepower of the motor and the diameter of the water supply for different categories of bore connections. Monthly charges escalate for larger bore connections.

Residential bore owners

• For residential purposes, a fee of Rs. 1,000 per month is mandated for a half-horsepower (HP) motor and a one-inch diameter pipe.
• Residential properties utilizing motors ranging from 7.5 to 15 horsepower with three-inch pipes face charges of Rs. 10,000 per month.
• For motors of 15 to 25 horsepower with four-inch pipes, residential charges amount to Rs. 20,000.
• Domestic users using 40 to 50-horsepower motor and 6-inch pipe will be charged Rs 50,000 per month.
• The fees continue to increase by motor power and pipe diameter. For instance, residential charges for motors of 70 to 100 horsepower with 8-inch pipes stand at Rs. 100,000, with commercial charges reaching Rs. 150,000.
• The highest charges are reserved for motors of 140 to 160 horsepower with nine-inch pipes, with residential fees set at Rs. 200,000 (2 lac) per month.

Commercial bore owners

• Commercial entities are subject to a monthly charge of Rs. 2,000 for a half-horsepower (HP) motor and a one-inch diameter pipe.
• Commercial entities using motors ranging from 7.5 to 15 horsepower with three-inch pipes are charged Rs. 15,000.
• Commercial charges reach Rs. 25,000 for motors of 15 to 25 horsepower with four-inch pipes per month.
• Commercial users utilizing 40 to 50-horsepower motor and 6-inch pipe will be charged Rs 75,000 per month.
• Charges for commercial users using motors of 70 to 100 horsepower with 8-inch pipes reach Rs. 150,000.
• The charges for commercial entities using motors of 140 to 160 horsepower with nine-inch pipes have been set at Rs. 300,000 (3 lac) every month.

These new regulations mark a significant shift for bore owners in Islamabad, who must now factor in additional costs for water extraction. The implementation of these fees aims to regulate water usage and ensure sustainability in the region.

What is Bore Water?

Bore water, or groundwater, is drawn from the ground using a pump system. This process entails drilling into the ground to tap into underground aquifers for water extraction.

Bore water is commonly used for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It is considered chemical-free, high in healthy minerals and fresh as the water comes directly beneath the earth.

Drilling a borehole is a practical solution to ensure a steady water supply in regions where accessing water can be challenging. When properly executed and managed, boreholes offer a dependable and economical water supply option, contributing to water conservation efforts and reducing environmental footprints.