Kandahar and Herat Residents Gain Relief as Solar-Powered Infrastructure Addresses Afghanistan’s Acute Water Crisis

ICRC implements solar-powered water systems in Afghanistan to fight drought and groundwater loss. Discover how 935,000 people gained access to safe water.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 22, 2026, 9:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ICRC

A Desperate Struggle for a Vanishing Resource

In the arid landscapes of southern and western Afghanistan, the search for water has evolved into a grueling daily battle for survival. Decades of protracted conflict, coupled with intensifying droughts and declining rainfall, have pushed traditional water systems like wells and "Karezes" to the brink of collapse. In urban centers such as Kandahar, groundwater levels have plummeted to depths exceeding 100 meters, leaving many private borewells dry and forcing families to choose between purchasing expensive tanker water or relying on unsafe surface sources. This scarcity has created a ripple effect through Afghan society, with community leaders reporting that children are frequently forced to abandon their education to spend their days fetching meager amounts of water for their households.

Solar Innovation in Kandahar’s District 09

To combat the prohibitive costs of diesel-powered generators, the ICRC has introduced a sustainable energy model in Kandahar City’s District 09. By installing 55 kW solar-powered booster pumps, the project has successfully extended daily pumping hours while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and fuel expenditures. This network extension includes 12.5 kilometers of new distribution pipelines and 850 new household connections equipped with meters. For the 106,300 residents of the district, this transition to renewable energy represents a shift toward a more reliable and environmentally responsible water supply, ensuring that basic needs are met without the constant threat of mechanical or financial failure.

Strengthening the Urban Heart of Herat

In Herat, the challenge of water salinity and aging infrastructure has long hampered the city’s ability to serve its growing population. The ICRC recently completed an overhaul of the city’s main booster pumping station, a critical asset that supplies water to over 400,000 residents through more than 40,000 individual connections. The intervention involved installing four high-capacity booster pumps and upgrading the station’s electrical systems to improve overall efficiency. Residents like Mohammad Mohammadi noted that prior to the project, the available borewell water was often too salty for consumption, forcing the community to travel long distances. The modernization of this station ensures that urban water delivery remains sustaina...