Water

According to the World Bank and UNEP, the situation relating to water and sanitation in the Gaza Strip is critical. The quantity and quality of the water are a serious concern.

Gaza is one of the most densely populated places in the world and the population is growing. The demand on the aquifer is too great, leading to declining groundwater levels. Seawater comes in to replace the water levels, so the water from the taps has salinity levels which are well beyond WHO guidelines. Furthermore, the water is polluted by uncontrolled sewage and fertiliser runoff, leading to high nitrate levels.

During 'Operation Cast Lead', in 2008/9, the water and sanitation infrastructure in the Gaza Strip suffered almost US$ 6 million in damages. There was additional damage to water wells during 'Operation Pillar of Defence' last November. Reconstruction is impeded by the ongoing closure of the Gaza Strip by Israel.

Unable to drink water from the tap, most people rely on water tanks, which are found outside local shops, for their water supply. A plastic gallon jug can be filled for one shekel. However, the quality of this water is also poor, as the water tanks and pipes are not properly maintained.

I was drinking this water for the first four months that I lived in Gaza, but have since switched to bottled water. I am lucky I can afford it.