Damascus faces severe water crisis due to record low rainfall

Syria has been facing an unprecedented water crisis as its capital, Damascus, is suffering from the lowest rainfall recorded in over six decades. This situation has had severe implications for the residents who rely predominantly on the Ein al-Fijeh spring, the main source of water for around 5 million people within the city and its suburbs. The spring, which traditionally flows abundantly during winter, now only produces a trickle due to the unusually dry conditions this year, marking the driest winter since 1956. According to Ahmad Darwish, head of the Damascus City Water Supply Authority, the current rainfall levels have been significantly below average, greatly affecting the water supply. The Ein al-Fijeh spring, historically known for its clear and pure waters, has seen its function compromised given that it provides 70% of the area's water. As a direct result, residents have begun relying on private tanker trucks to buy water, which is not only inconvenient but also a significant financial burden in a country where many people earn less than $100 a month. People in various neighborhoods now experience water availability for just 90 minutes a day, in stark contrast to previous years when running water was a standard expectation. Many of them are now forced to economize and prepare for further shortages predicted as summer approaches, with discussions around weekly water availability rather than daily. This drastic change has concerned many residents who have been accustomed to the immediate accessibility of water from the Ein al-Fijeh spring. Ahmed Jbara, a local resident, reported buying five barrels of undrinkable water from a tanker truck, costing him and his neighbors $15, a hefty expense considering the average monthly income. Furthermore, the effects of the ongoing water crisis can be seen not only in daily consumption patterns but also in the lives of those who have returned to the affected areas after years of displacement due to the conflict. Tarek Abdul-Wahed returned to his home near the spring after nearly eight years, finding his community devastated and largely deserted, which indicates the long-lasting impacts of the Syrian conflict on both infrastructure and civilian life. There are serious fears among residents that the inadequacies of the current water supply will continue, exacerbating difficulties in a country already weakened by years of turmoil.