Reported attacks damaging or destroying water and sanitation systems in conflict zones increased threefold between 2021 and 2025, according to a new report released by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on November 5.
The report, titled Water Under Fire, Volume 4: An Urgent Call to Protect Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Conflict, documents attacks affecting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, services, workers and communities across 23 countries and territories between January 2021 and June 2026.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Reported attacks damaging or destroying water and sanitation systems increased threefold between 2021 and 2025.
Fewer than 45 incidents were documented across eight countries in 2021.
More than 135 incidents were documented across 15 countries in 2025.
The report covers 23 countries and territories.
Its reporting period extends from January 2021 to June 2026.
UNICEF identified seven categories of attacks and disruptions.
According to UNICEF's documented figures, fewer than 45 incidents were recorded across eight countries in 2021. By 2025, the number had increased to more than 135 incidents across 15 countries. The findings indicate a growing pattern of attacks affecting essential water services in conflict-affected regions.
The report identifies seven categories of attacks and disruptions affecting water and sanitation systems. These include strikes on water treatment plants, pipelines and wells, contamination of water sources, and restrictions on the supply of spare parts and chemicals required for water treatment.
UNICEF documented several examples of the impact on civilian infrastructure.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is essential for protecting public health, particularly among children living in conflict-affected areas. Damage to water infrastructure can increase the spread of infectious diseases, worsen malnutrition and disrupt healthcare services. Hospitals and health centres require reliable water supplies for sanitation, medical procedures and patient care. The findings also demonstrate the connection between water and energy infrastructure. Damage to electricity networks can interrupt water treatment and distribution, creating additional challenges for communities already facing humanitarian emergencies. Protecting water and sanitation services is therefore important not only for maintaining drinking-water supplies but also for supporting healthcare, nutrition and the safety of displaced populations.
In Sudan, only one of Khartoum State's 13 water treatment plants remained operational by March 2024. In Burkina Faso, more than 145 water points were destroyed in attacks between 2020 and 2025, affecting approximately 830,000 people, more than half of them children.
In Gaza, more than 130,000 metres of sewage pipelines had been damaged since October 2023. The report also describes how untreated sewage was being discharged into the Mediterranean Sea or temporary holding areas.
The report highlights that water services can also be disrupted through attacks on energy infrastructure. Water treatment facilities and pumping stations often depend on electricity to operate, meaning damage to power networks can interrupt water supplies even when pipelines and pumps remain physically intact.
In Ukraine, attacks affecting energy infrastructure had left almost seven million children without sustained access to electricity, heating and water by December 2022.
In Iraq, a drone attack on a gas field in November 2025 reduced electricity production across the Kurdistan Region by approximately 80 per cent. Authorities subsequently had to ration electricity among water projects, hospitals and cities.
UNICEF also highlighted the consequences for healthcare services. Hospitals and medical facilities require reliable access to clean water for sterilising equipment, supporting safe childbirth and preparing therapeutic food for children suffering from severe malnutrition.
Inadequate water and sanitation services increase the risk of diarrhoeal diseases and other infections, particularly among children living in overcrowded settlements and displacement camps.
The report further identifies risks faced by women, girls and water-service workers. In many households, women and girls are responsible for collecting water. When local supplies are disrupted, they may have to travel longer distances, increasing their exposure to safety risks and reducing the time available for education.
Water and sanitation workers also face dangers while maintaining and repairing essential infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.
UNICEF also reported significant funding shortages affecting humanitarian water and sanitation programmes. In countries with coordinated humanitarian WASH responses, approximately 137.9 million people require assistance, while only 26 per cent of the funding required for 2026 had been received.
The agency has called on parties to conflicts, governments, donors and humanitarian organisations to strengthen protection for water infrastructure, improve monitoring of attacks and ensure safe access for humanitarian workers.
UNICEF has also recommended investment in conflict-resilient water systems, locally managed service-continuity arrangements and access to essential repair materials and treatment supplies.
