Afghanistan's capital could become world's first city without water by 2030

There is a critical drinking water situation in the Afghan capital. The annual resource deficit reaches 45 million cubic meters. Kabul is at risk of becoming the first modern metropolis to run out of drinking water by 2030. This is only one of the most acute examples of the global water crisis, which affects other major cities, from Tehran to Corpus Christi in Texas.

According to experts, natural conditions should not have led to such a deficit. The city is located in a valley among the Hindu Kush mountains, the glaciers and melting snow of which traditionally feed the Kabul River and subterranean horizons, giving water to 80% of the inhabitants. However, over the past decade, the level of groundwater has fallen by more than 30 meters: pumping is faster than natural replenishment.

The annual deficit is 45 million cubic meters. Nearly 50% of the city's wells have dried up. The main reason is the rapid population growth and the increased load on the system. Water is consumed by houses, greenhouses and businesses.

The climate crisis also plays a role. The drought in Afghanistan lasted for the sixth year in a row, and snowfall at the end of last year was the scant in 25 years. Between 2014 and 2020, snow cover decreased by almost 20%. Precipitation in the form of rain does not replenish reserves: hard impermeable surfaces prevent water from going into the ground, and it turns into destructive floods. In addition, up to 80% of groundwater is contaminated by sewage.

The crisis in Kabul is a warning sign. Urban water supply systems designed for the previous climatic conditions are increasingly coping with new realities. Similar scenarios could be repeated in many cities around the world.

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