Water infrastructure is increasingly becoming a casualty of modern conflict, raising concerns that millions of people could be left without access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Analysis from the Pacific Institute shows a sharp rise in incidents involving water systems and resources, with thousands of cases recorded globally where infrastructure has been damaged, targeted or used as part of conflict.
The findings highlight growing risks to public health, particularly in regions where water and sanitation systems are already under strain.
UK-based water treatment specialist Hydrachem has warned that the consequences of failing water systems during conflict are well documented, citing previous crises such as the cholera outbreak during the Yemeni civil war and repeated disruption to water supplies in Syria.
The company said that when water infrastructure is compromised, the impacts extend far beyond immediate supply disruption, often leading to disease outbreaks, displacement and long-term instability.
“When water systems fail during conflict, disease follows,” said Nicholas Barbieri, Commercial Director at Hydrachem. “These are not potential risks; they are the documented consequences of conflicts where water infrastructure has been compromised.”
Damage to treatment plants, loss of power to pumping stations and failures in distribution networks can rapidly result in the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, particularly in densely populated or vulnerable areas.
Water infrastructure protection in conflict zones
Water infrastructure protection in conflict zones is governed under international humanitarian law, which recognises water and sanitation systems as essential civilian infrastructure. However, ongoing conflicts continue to demonstrate the fragility of these protections in practice.
Experts warn that disruption to water systems can create cascading effects across healthcare, food security and economic stability. Hospitals, for example, rely on consistent access to clean water to maintain hygiene and deliver safe treatment.
The issue is gaining renewed attention ahead of World Water Day on 22 March, which aims to highlight the importance of freshwater resources and the need for sustainable management.
Hydrachem has called for greater international focus on safeguarding water systems, urging governments and global organisations to prioritise the protection and resilience of water infrastructure alongside other critical services.
Further analysis and coverage of global water challenges can be found in the H2O Global News water management section.
