Tunisians face water shortages amid heat, power cuts and aging infrastructure

Tunisia’s water supply has become a growing crisis as the country grapples with a combination of extreme heat, frequent power cuts and an ageing distribution network. In recent weeks, residents in cities such as Tunis, Sfax and Sousse have reported intermittent tap water, with some households experiencing no flow for days. The heat wave has increased demand, while the national grid’s reliability has deteriorated, leaving pumps and treatment plants unable to operate at full capacity.

The root of the problem lies in infrastructure that dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, many of which are now leaking or have become inoperable. Coupled with the country’s ongoing electricity shortages, the water sector is unable to maintain continuous service. Local authorities have temporarily installed portable water tanks and increased the frequency of water deliveries, but these measures are only stop‑gaps. The Ministry of Water Resources has announced plans to upgrade key pumping stations and to invest in smart monitoring systems, though funding constraints and bureaucratic delays could slow progress.

In the short term, Tunisian citizens are forced to ration water and rely on bottled supplies, while the government stresses the urgency of infrastructure renewal. The situation underscores the broader challenges of climate resilience and resource management in North Africa, and highlights the need for coordinated investment in both the water and power sectors to secure reliable services for the population.