This survey, conducted with the direct participation of 1,800 people and indirectly covering nearly 15,000 residents across 20 districts of Kabul, reflects the state of groundwater and people’s access to water in the city. The findings paint a worrying picture of the water crisis facing the Afghan capital.
Key Findings
- 92.3% of respondents confirm a significant decline in water levels over the past five years.
- 62.2% report that groundwater levels have dropped by more than 40 meters.
- 62.4% say they are unable to afford higher water costs.
- 71.8% believe the government has no effective monitoring over water distribution.
Key Recommendations
This report calls for immediate government action to expand the public water supply network, establish support mechanisms for low-income households, strengthen monitoring of the private sector, and invest long-term in the protection of groundwater resources.
Introduction
Access to safe drinking water is one of the fundamental human rights and a prerequisite for sustainable development. However, according to a joint report by the World Health Organization and UNICEF (2023), more than 2.2 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water. This crisis is more severe in low-income and conflict-affected countries, where a combination of political instability, economic poverty, climate change, and rapid urban population growth has turned water scarcity into a major threat to human security.
In South Asia, 18% of the population lacks access to safe water. Afghanistan, with 27% of its population without access to safe drinking water, is in a worse situation than the regional average. This figure is even more concerning in urban areas facing intense population pressure.
Meanwhile, Kabul city, one of the most populous and fastest-growing capitals in the region, represents a clear example of this multifaceted crisis. With a population exceeding 6 million and an annual growth rate of approximately 3.5%, the city faces unprecedented challenges in providing drinking water.
On the other hand, Kabul is also among the most climate-vulnerable capitals in the region. In recent years, residents have faced widespread challenges in securing drinking water, from a sharp decline in groundwater resources to rising costs of water provision. Afghanistan, particularly Kabul, is now facing a multilayered water crisis that has limited citizens’ access to safe drinking water and has also led to social, economic, and demographic consequences.
Problem Statement
The water crisis is no longer limited to an environmental issue; it has become a human crisis that threatens the lives of millions of citizens. Water is essential for life, and the depletion or contamination of water resources has direct impacts on health, the economy, and social security.
In recent years, Kabul has experienced a sharp decline in groundwater resources. Unofficial reports indicate a 30–50 meter drop in water levels in some areas. This decline, combined with rapid urban population growth, weak public water supply infrastructure, and the absence of integrated management, has created a critical situation.
However, precise and comprehensive data on the true scale of this crisis is limited. Therefore, this study aims to answer key questions that have so far remained unanswered:
- What percentage of survey participants have access to reliable drinking water?
- What are the main sources of water, and how is it distributed?
- What are the economic costs of accessing water, and what portion of household income do they represent?
- What are the social consequences of this crisis (such as migration), and how significant are they?
Literature Review
Following increased attention to the water crisis in Kabul, a limited number of media outlets and research centers have examined the issue. Given the importance of the problem and societal needs, relatively little literature has been produced to analyze the drinking water crisis in Kabul city. Some of these studies and their limitations are noted below:
- “Kabul Water Crisis” is a study conducted by Mercy Corps in June 2025 on the status of water resources in Kabul. The study shows that half of the wells have dried up and that 80% of groundwater resources are unsafe due to contamination from sewage and salinity.
- “Kabul Water Crisis: On the Brink of Collapse” is another report produced by the Afghanistan Analysts Network. This think tank reviewed existing analyses of Kabul’s water crisis and found that due to excessive water extraction, climate change, and lack of investment, Kabul may completely lose its groundwater resources by 2030.
- “Declining Water Levels and Water Privatization: Kabul Residents Warn of Intensifying Water Crisis” is the title of another report published by Hasht-e Subh newspaper. Based on citizens’ accounts, this report mainly reflects interviewees’ eyewitness observations regarding the decline of Kabul’s water resources.
Although this body of literature reflects aspects of the water crisis in Kabul and is commendable, it does not provide a clear and up-to-date picture of the latest field realities regarding water depletion. Such a picture requires direct engagement with Kabul residents and must be based on statistical survey data. Therefore, the survey launched by Salam Afghanistan Media Organization (Salam Watandar Radio Network) seeks to provide a clear picture of citizens’ access to sustainable drinking water. Given the scale of the crisis, this survey alone is not sufficient, and further efforts are needed.
Research Objectives
This study is based on major objectives that can be divided into primary and secondary goals. The main objectives are to obtain statistics on Kabul citizens’ access to sustainable drinking water, the costs they incur for this access, and their levels of income. Secondary objectives include examining methods of drinking water supply, changes in groundwater resources in Kabul, suggestions for improving the performance of water supply companies, and the extent to which citizens have been forced to change their place of residence due to the water crisis.
Significance of the Study
The importance of conducting any field research depends on its nature and subject. When an issue concerns collective life and presents a widespread challenge, its significance becomes more pronounced. The water crisis affects all human beings. Several factors further increase the importance of this survey on Kabul residensts’ access to drinking water:
- The survey is conducted amid widespread concern within the international community about the water crisis in Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul.
- Few data-driven and field-based studies have analyzed Kabul citizens’ access to drinking water; this survey partially fills that gap.
- The survey directly involved 1,800 individuals and indirectly covered nearly 15,000 people, providing a clear picture of citizens’ access to drinking water in Kabul.
- In addition to assessing access to sustainable drinking water, the survey also examined citizens’ income levels, which directly affect their ability to secure safe water.
Methodology
Type of Research: Applied, descriptive–analytical
Approach: Quantitative
Method: Cross-sectional survey
Tool: Structured questionnaire
Target Population: All Kabul residents aged 18 and above (one respondent per household)
Population Size: Based on the latest estimates by the National Statistics and Information Authority, Kabul’s population is 6.1 million, including 3.1 million men and 3 million women.
Geographical Coverage: Twenty municipal districts of Kabul
8.3 Sampling Method
- Sampling Type: Multi-stage cluster sampling
Sampling Stages:
- Stage One: Selection of Districts.
To ensure full geographical coverage, all 20 districts of Kabul were included in the survey. - Stage Two: Selection of Neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods within each district were randomly selected. - Stage Three: Selection of Households.
Households in each neighborhood were selected using systematic random sampling, and one individual aged 18 or older from each household was chosen as the respondent.
Survey Findings
The survey results on Kabul residents’ access to drinking water show that water sources are shrinking day by day, and the methods for obtaining water are becoming increasingly costly as supplies dwindle. Most respondents across the 20 districts of Kabul confirmed the decline in water resources and emphasized that the government and international organizations need to take serious action to address this environmental challenge.
Survey Demographics
The survey on Kabul residents’ access to drinking water was conducted by the Salam Afghanistan Media Institute, with the direct participation of 1,800 people and indirectly covering nearly 15,000 residents of the city.
Age Groups
The age distribution in this survey is notable. Among the respondents, 35.1% (631 people) were between 18 and 25 years old, while 34.4% (619 people) reported being over 40. Meanwhile, 12.4% (223 people) were between 25 and 30, and 10% (182 people) said they were between 30 and 35.
Gender
Men made up the majority of participants in this survey, accounting for 95.1% (1,712 people), while women were the minority, representing 4.9% (88 people).
Number of Family Members
The survey data shows that household sizes in Kabul are higher than typical urban standards. A large portion of respondents, 55.8% (1,005 people), reported having 5 to 10 family members, while 18.2% (327 people) said their families consist of 10 to 15 members. Additionally, 8.4% (151 people) reported more than 15 family members, and only 17.6% (317 people) said their families have 1 to 5 members.
Education Level
The findings show that 39.6% of respondents (713 people) reported being illiterate, while 15.4% (278 people) have only primary education. About 29.9% (539 people) have completed grade 12, and only 13% (234 people) hold a bachelor’s degree. Among them, 2% (36 people) said they have studied up to the master’s level.
Urban Districts
The survey was conducted across 20 districts of Kabul. The highest number of participants came from District 19, accounting for 8.9% (160 people), while the lowest participation was from District 16, with 1.7% (30 people).
Type of Residence
Most respondents, 96.4% (1,736 people), said they live in a house, while only 3.6% (64 people) reported living in an apartment.
Economic Status
Citizens’ financial ability plays an important role in meeting their basic needs, and access to safe and reliable drinking water depends largely on their economic capacity. The survey’s findings show that 62.7% (1,129 people) of respondents have a moderate income, 35.4% (637 people) have a low income, 1.7% (30 people) fall below the poverty line, and only 0.2% (4 people) are considered wealthy.
Monthly Income
Respondents were also asked about their monthly income, which plays a key role in covering living expenses. Among them, 63.1% (1,136 people) reported earning 15,000 Afghanis per month, while 15.8% (286 people) said they earn between 2,100 and 5,000 Afghanis monthly. About 9.9% (179 people) live on less than 2,100 Afghanis per month, effectively putting them below the poverty line. Additionally, 5.1% (93 people) earn between 15,000 and 40,000 Afghanis, and only 3.7% (68 people) reported earning more than 40,000 Afghanis per month.
Access to Water
The main focus of this survey is Kabul residents’ access to sustainable drinking water. This section covers key topics such as water sources, daily access, changes in water availability, and methods of water supply.
Water Source
A large portion of respondents, 56.7% (1,021 people), said their drinking water comes from private companies. Meanwhile, 31.3% (546 people) rely on personal or shared wells. Although the government is expected to play a leading role in providing water to citizens, only 10.5% (189 people) reported receiving water from public companies.
Daily Access to Water
Residents of Kabul were asked how many hours per day they have access to drinking water. Among respondents, 40.2% (723 people) said they have access for more than 6 hours, while 12.3% (222 people) reported having access for 1 to 3 hours. About 10.7% (192 people) said they have access for less than 1 hour, 32.6% (585 people) said they always have access, and only 4.3% (77 people) have access for 3 to 6 hours.
Decrease in Water Levels
Residents were also asked about changes in water levels in recent years. Among them, 62.1% (1,119 people) said water levels have dropped by more than 40 meters, while 16.1% (289 people) reported a drop of 20 to 40 meters. Meanwhile, 13.2% (237 people) said water levels have fallen by 10 to 20 meters, and only 7.7% (139 people) reported a decrease of less than 10 meters.
Time Spent Obtaining Water
Citizens were asked about the amount of time they spend to obtain water. About 25.7% (462 people) said they don’t spend any time because they use an electric water system. Meanwhile, 18.7% (337 people) reported spending 2 to 3 hours per day to get water. However, 52% (936 people) spend less than one hour, and 3.6% (65 people) spend more than 5 hours daily to secure water.
Economic Cost of Obtaining Water
To better understand access to drinking water, Kabul residents were asked about their financial costs for securing water. Among them, 53.3% (961 people) said they spend 500 to 800 Afghanis per month. Meanwhile, 27.1% (488 people) reported paying 1,000 to 1,500 Afghanis monthly. About 5.8% (106 people) said their monthly water costs are 1,600 to 2,000 Afghanis, while 3.5% (63 people) spend 2,000 to 3,000 Afghanis per month. Only 2.1% (38 people) reported paying more than 3,000 Afghanis monthly. In addition, 6.3% (114 people) said they don’t pay anything for water.
Actions to Increased Water Costs
As water levels in Kabul continue to decline each year, respondents were asked how they would react if the cost of drinking water increased. Among them, 62.4% (1,124 people) said they could not afford to pay more, while 29.3% (528 people) said they would have no choice but to pay. Meanwhile, 4% (72 people) said they could afford the higher cost, and 0.8% (16 people) said they might consider migrating.
In Case of Short-Term Water Cuts
Sometimes daily access to drinking water is temporarily interrupted. Respondents were asked what alternatives they would consider. Among them, 20.5% (369 people) said they would turn to their neighbors, while 10.8% (196 people) said they might go to water sources at mosques. Meanwhile, 63.4% (1,142 people) reported that they would purchase water, and only 4.7% (86 people) said they would seek help from charitable organizations.
Change of Residence
In this section, respondents were asked whether access to water has caused them to change their place of residence in the past five years. Among them, 87.7% (1,580 people) said no, while 7.2% (131 people) reported being forced to move once or twice. Meanwhile, 3.6% (65 people) said they had to relocate several times.
Satisfaction with Water Supply Services
Since the main sources of water for residents come from private and public companies, respondents were asked about their satisfaction with these services. Among them, 33.5% (604 people) said the performance of these companies is average. Meanwhile, 16.3% (295 people) rated their performance as very poor, and 43.8% (789 people) described it as poor. Only 3.4% of respondents considered the services to be good.
Water Quality
Respondents were also asked about the quality of water. Among them, 26.7% (481 people) said the water quality is very low and not usable without boiling or purification, while 15% (270 people) described it as poor. About 6.2% (113 people) rated the water quality as very bad. On the other hand, 51.4% (926 people) said the water quality is good.
Government Oversight
To examine government oversight of water supply companies, respondents were asked about the level of supervision. Among them, 71.8% (1,294 people) said the government has no oversight, while 20.1% (362 people) said the government supervises occasionally. About 4% (73 people) said they don’t know, and only 1.6% (29 people) reported that the government provides continuous oversight.
Citizens’ Suggestions
At the end of the survey, respondents were asked an open-ended question to share their opinions and suggestions. Among them, 5.9% (107 people) called for the establishment of more public water companies, while 3.2% (58 people) urged the government to take immediate action due to the critical situation. About 18.6% (336 people) had no suggestions.
Challenges
Conducting field research in Afghanistan comes with various challenges and limitations, making it difficult to carry out standardized and comprehensive studies. The survey on Kabul residents’ access to water also faced these obstacles while trying to provide a clear picture of the water situation in the city. These challenges inevitably affected the research process and its quality. The main challenges encountered in this survey are outlined below.
1.Coordination with Security Agencies
According to an unwritten directive of the security agencies of the Islamic Emirate, any field or community-related activities must be coordinated with intelligence and security institutions. While this requirement is understandable in principle, it sometimes disrupts the workflow. At times, this coordination process becomes time-consuming and delays the research.
2.Low Literacy Levels among Citizens
As the survey findings indicate, citizens’ literacy and knowledge levels are low, which negatively affects their cooperation in field research. Limited understanding makes it harder for respondents to grasp survey questions, and more importantly, they may not fully appreciate the value of field studies. As a result, sustained cooperation with research processes is reduced.
3.Structural Distrust
Another major challenge encountered during this research is that the public and statistical community generally do not trust field research or its impact on policymaking. This makes it difficult to obtain systematic cooperation from citizens. Most people, due to structural distrust, are unwilling to fully participate in research activities.
Recommendations
1.Continuing Field Research: To highlight social challenges, research and media institutions in the country should implement programs that draw the attention of the government and international organizations to address these issues.
2.Raising Awareness about the Importance of Field Research: For citizens to cooperate systematically with research and media institutions, awareness and cultural education are needed. This can be achieved by organizing public seminars and events in open spaces.
3.Government Support: The Islamic Emirate should provide comprehensive support for conducting field research. This includes ensuring the safety of research teams, facilitating the research process, sharing information, and cooperating on the ground. The government’s role is vital for the success of such research initiatives.
