Destruction of More Than 80% of Gaza’s Water and Sewage Networks Raises Environmental and Health Concerns

GHLands : Saeed Al-Aklouk, an official responsible for water and sanitation monitoring in the Gaza Strip, has warned of a worsening water and environmental crisis as more than 80% of the territory’s water and sewage networks have been destroyed.

Speaking to Voice of Palestine Radio, Al-Aklouk said water production in Gaza has fallen sharply from around 300,000 cubic meters per day to approximately 123,000 cubic meters. Meanwhile, the average daily water supply per person has dropped to between 21 and 22 liters.

He explained that damage to sewage networks and the leakage of wastewater into the groundwater are contributing to rising levels of contamination, warning of serious consequences for public health and the environment, particularly amid shortages of disinfectants and limited capacity to test water quality.

Al-Aklouk noted that the continued deterioration of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is worsening the humanitarian and environmental situation, increasing the risk of water contamination and the spread of diseases and other health hazards among the population.

He stressed that addressing the crisis requires the provision of essential supplies and materials needed to operate water and sanitation facilities, as well as strengthening water-testing capabilities and limiting sources of contamination amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.