The recent Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip has resulted in catastrophic damage to Gaza’s water and wastewater infrastructure, critically impairing the region’s capacity to deliver clean water and manage sanitation. A detailed assessment by the Palestinian Environmental NGOs Network (PENGON) documents the severe destruction of solar-powered Water Desalination Plants (WDPs) and WasteWater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) across the Gaza Strip and outlines a strategic roadmap for recovery.
Main Findings:
- The war in Gaza has rendered essential water systems inoperable, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a minimum of 15 litres of potable water per person per day is recommended in humanitarian emergencies. This includes water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. In Gaza, water access currently stands at 1-3 liters per person/day.
- Water Desalination Plants (WDPs):
- Medium-scale WDPs: 75% are currently non-operational or partially functional. Seven out of sixteen facilities sustained total destruction; three others incurred 60–70% damage, and the remaining six are functioning at a reduced capacity.
- Large-scale WDPs: Two of three plants remain operational but with 10–30% damage. One large-scale facility is fully non-functional due to undetermined structural compromises.
- Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs): All six facilities are either non-operational or functioning at minimal capacity. Three WWTPs were completely destroyed, while the Rafah plant operates at 14% of its pre-conflict capacity.
- Solar Energy Systems:
- Seven of thirteen medium-sized WDPs experienced total loss of photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure.
- Two medium-sized WDPs suffered complete destruction of PV cells and batteries, with inverter damage at 50% and 25%, respectively.
- WWTP solar systems sustained total destruction, resulting in over $10 million in losses.
The destruction has compelled critical facilities to depend on diesel generators (where accessible), resulting in energy deficits and operational disruptions. As global initiatives prioritise energy transition and emission reductions, the obliteration of Gaza’s solar infrastructure directly counteracts international decarbonisation objectives.
Non-functional WWTPs are discharging untreated wastewater into marine and terrestrial ecosystems, posing acute public health risks and long-term environmental degradation. The collapse of WDPs and WWTPs has further diminished Gaza’s ability to supply potable water, intensifying a preexisting water scarcity crisis.
The electricity grid in Gaza has been severely damaged during the ongoing conflict, with reports indicating that 90% of the machinery and equipment have been destroyed. The grid has been completely non-operational since October 11, 2023, when Gaza’s sole power plant ran out of fuel and Israel cut off electricity supplies. The restoration of Gaza’s electricity grid is expected to be a lengthy process.
The urgent rehabilitation of Gaza’s water desalination and wastewater treatment plants is vital to restoring clean water access and sanitation. Prioritising medium-sized desalination plants, critical for drinking water and disproportionately damaged, will address immediate needs while leveraging existing infrastructure. Short-term solutions must focus on hybrid energy systems, rapid repairs, and mobile units to stabilise supply; long-term resilience demands renewable energy integration, advanced monitoring, and capacity expansion. Together, these steps can rebuild Gaza’s water systems to withstand future challenges and safeguard public health.
You can read the full report here.
