Kabul could become the first modern city to completely run out of water by 2030, according to a report by Mercy Corps. Over the past decade, water levels in the city’s aquifers have dropped by up to 30 meters due to rapid urbanization and climate change.
Nearly half of Kabul’s boreholes—the primary source of drinking water—have already dried up, and water extraction exceeds the natural recharge rate by 44 million cubic meters annually. In addition, around 80% of the city’s groundwater is unsafe due to contamination from sewage, salinity, and arsenic.
Many families spend up to 30% of their income on water, and over two-thirds are in water-related debt. Private companies are exploiting the crisis by extracting groundwater and selling it at inflated prices.
One proposed solution, the Panjshir River pipeline, could provide clean water to 2 million residents, but the $170 million project is still awaiting budget approval.
Experts say urgent, long-term investment is needed to avoid a humanitarian disaster.
