According to estimates, a great quantity of untreated wastewater is released in fresh water channels and the open fields each year in Pakistan. Since this waters carries dangerous chemicals, the waterborne diseases like hepatitis are on the rise. Patients suffering from these diseases spend millions of rupees each year. Fortunately, bioremediation technology is now available in Pakistan, which not only costs less money but also is environment friendly due to its use of aquatic plants and biological organisms abundantly available in Pakistan for the processing of the wastewater. A model project has been successfully completed in Islamabad and the scientists are waiting for its implementation across the country by provincial govts, industrial units and housing societies. If launched on a priority basis, I think majority of Pakistanis would have clean drinking water. ATIKA MANSOOR, Lahore, October 17.