KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan is experiencing a worsening water crisis, with access to safe and affordable water becoming increasingly limited across both rural and urban areas. According to a report by the International Committee of the Red Cross, water scarcity is now significantly affecting daily life, livelihoods, and public health.
In rural regions, years of conflict, prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and rapid population growth have placed immense pressure on traditional water systems such as wells and karezes—ancient underground irrigation channels. The return of Afghan families from neighboring countries has further intensified demand, while groundwater levels continue to fall.
As a result, many families are forced to rely on unsafe surface water or travel long distances to meet basic needs. Women and children bear the greatest burden, often spending hours each day collecting water instead of attending school or engaging in other activities.
Urban centers, including Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Kandahar, are facing similar challenges. Rapid urbanization, combined with unregulated groundwater extraction, has led to severe depletion of water resources. Many households now depend on private wells or purchase water from tankers at high costs.
The situation in Kandahar is particularly critical. A majority of residents lack access to safe piped drinking water, and in several districts, water shortages have become so severe that securing water dominates daily life. Reports indicate that many wells have dried up, while others have water levels deeper than 100 meters, making access both technically difficult and financially burdensome.
Fazil Rahman, a community leader in Kandahar’s District 09, highlighted the severity of the crisis, stating that even deep borewells often fail to provide sufficient water. He noted that many families cannot afford to drill their own wells or purchase water, forcing children to spend hours each day collecting limited supplies instead of attending school.
In response, the ICRC launched a water system improvement project in District 09 in 2025, aiming to support approximately 106,300 residents. The initiative includes the installation of 12.5 kilometers of water distribution pipelines and 850 new household connections equipped with water meters. The project is implemented in coordination with the Urban Water Supply and Sewage State-Owned Corporation (UWASS), strengthening the operation and maintenance of water services.
A key feature of the project is the integration of renewable energy solutions. Solar-powered booster pumps now operate three 55 kW systems, reducing reliance on diesel generators while extending daily water supply hours. This approach not only lowers operational costs but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
The project has already eased the burden on many households, particularly women and children, by reducing the time and effort required to access water. However, the broader crisis remains a serious concern.
Marking World Water Day, the ICRC emphasized the urgent need for improved data, stronger infrastructure, and coordinated action to address Afghanistan’s water challenges and safeguard public health, livelihoods, and long-term stability.
