worsening water crisis in Damascus, its countryside; rising prices of water tankers

The situation is becoming increasingly complex in light of the ongoing water crisis in Damascus and its countryside, especially during the summer with the rise in temperatures. Residents' suffering has not abated in previous seasons, but has resurfaced more severely this year. The scarcity of water resources, the decline in spring pumping, and the failure of hundreds of wells are all factors that have combined to make the water shortage a chronic crisis with no end in sight.

As demand increases in the summer, the burdens on residents double, leaving them with one exhausting option: purchasing water from tankers at prices beyond their means. Meanwhile, official authorities provide only repeated promises and partial services that have failed to halt the ongoing deterioration.

Rainfall Shortage and Well Failures

The roots of the crisis lie in the sharp decline in rainfall this year, which did not exceed 30% of the annual average for the Fijeh Spring, while in Damascus it reached no more than 23%. This decline has directly impacted the main water sources supplying the capital and its countryside, most notably the Fijeh and Barada Springs, whose water flow has declined significantly.

In addition, approximately 300 artesian wells have been shut down due to technical malfunctions or the constant power outages that destroy their pumps. The chronic shortage of electricity also prevents the operation of the pumps needed to pump water to reservoirs, especially in high-altitude areas.

In addition, the deterioration of water networks and their outdated equipment leads to daily breakdowns and leaks, increasing the volume of water loss and exacerbating the shortage.

Repercussions of the Water Crisis

These factors have directly impacted the lives of residents, as regular water supply is no longer available except through a harsh rationing system, which in some areas reaches only once a week, and in quantities that are insufficient for the needs of the population. This shortage has forced residents to rely on private water tankers at escalating prices that vary from one area to another depending on proximity to water sources and transportation costs.

For example, the price of 10 barrels of Fijeh water reaches 400,000 Syrian pounds (approximately 40,000 Syrian pounds per barrel), while the cost drops to 250,000 Syrian pounds if the water is taken from unauthorized tankers.

In some Damascus neighborhoods, such as Mezzeh, the cost reaches 350,000 Syrian pounds, while in the Dummar project, it jumps to 500,000 Syrian pounds. In Sahnaya, however, it's even lower, with Fijeh water selling for 250,000 Syrian pounds and well water for only 150,000 Syrian pounds due to its proximity to water sources.

These figures represent an unbearable burden on household incomes in light of the economic crisis plaguing all regions, opening the door to daily quarrels over waiting for tankers. Despite the magnitude of the problem, the role of municipalities and local councils remains limited to licensing tankers and receiving complaints, without providing practical solutions to alleviate the suffering of the population.

ANHA