By: The SRNNA Team
Table of Contents
7 Minute Read
Introduction (PPT Formula)
Access to clean water remains one of the most critical humanitarian challenges in Somalia, with direct implications for health, livelihoods, and long-term community stability. Recurrent drought, limited infrastructure, and population displacement have left millions of people without reliable access to safe drinking water.
Somalia is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. Large portions of the population depend on seasonal rainfall, shallow wells, and water trucking during dry periods. When water sources fail, households are forced to travel long distances or rely on unsafe water, increasing the risk of disease and economic strain.
This article explains the state of clean water access in Somalia, the factors driving water scarcity, its impact on health and livelihoods, and why community-based water solutions are essential for resilience.
Clean Water Access in Somalia: An Overview
Clean water access in Somalia varies significantly by region, season, and settlement type. Urban areas generally have greater access to piped or borehole water systems, while rural and nomadic communities rely heavily on surface water, shallow wells, or rainwater collection.
Internally displaced populations face heightened challenges. Many displacement sites lack permanent water infrastructure and depend on temporary solutions such as water trucking, which can be costly and inconsistent.
Access to water is not only a question of availability but also of affordability and quality. Even where water exists, it may be unsafe for consumption or financially inaccessible for low-income households.
The Scale of Water Insecurity
A significant portion of Somalia’s population lacks access to safely managed drinking water services. Water scarcity intensifies during drought periods, when traditional sources dry up and competition for remaining water increases.
Several trends consistently appear in assessments:
rural communities experience the lowest access rates
women and children bear the burden of water collection
displacement increases reliance on emergency water supplies
Limited access to clean water contributes directly to humanitarian need and compounds other vulnerabilities such as food insecurity and poor health outcomes.
Key Drivers of Limited Water Access
Climate Variability and Drought
Somalia experiences frequent drought cycles that reduce surface water availability and lower groundwater levels. Because many water systems depend on rainfall recharge, prolonged dry periods quickly disrupt access.
Drought also increases the cost of water. As local sources fail, households must purchase water transported from distant locations, placing additional strain on already limited incomes.
Infrastructure Gaps
Water infrastructure across Somalia remains limited and unevenly distributed. Many communities lack boreholes, storage systems, or treatment facilities capable of supplying safe water year-round.
Existing infrastructure is often vulnerable to breakdown due to limited maintenance capacity, high operating costs, and insecurity in some areas.
Displacement and Population Pressure
Large-scale displacement places additional pressure on water systems in host communities. Sudden population increases can overwhelm existing infrastructure, reducing water availability for both displaced and host households.
In displacement settings, temporary water solutions may meet immediate needs but do not provide long-term reliability.
Water Access and Public Health
The link between water access and health outcomes in Somalia is well established. Limited access to clean water increases exposure to waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and cholera, which disproportionately affect children.
Poor water quality also undermines nutrition. When households rely on unsafe water, illness can reduce nutrient absorption and exacerbate malnutrition, particularly among young children and pregnant women.
Improving water access is therefore a preventive health measure as well as a humanitarian priority.
Gender and Social Impacts
Water collection responsibilities in Somalia largely fall on women and girls. When water sources are distant or unreliable, time spent collecting water increases, limiting opportunities for education, income generation, and rest.
Long travel distances also raise safety concerns, particularly in insecure or remote areas. Reliable local water access reduces these risks and supports broader social well-being.
Community-Based Water Solutions
Community-led water initiatives play a central role in improving access across Somalia. Local water committees and partner organizations help manage water points, collect user fees where appropriate, and oversee maintenance.
Community involvement improves sustainability by ensuring that systems reflect local needs and usage patterns. It also strengthens accountability and ownership, which are essential for long-term functionality.
Clean Water and Community Resilience
Reliable access to clean water strengthens community resilience to shocks. When water systems function consistently, households are better able to withstand drought, reduce reliance on emergency assistance, and maintain livelihoods.
Over time, sustainable water access supports improved health, greater economic stability, and reduced displacement pressure, contributing to longer-term recovery.
Conclusion (TAC Process)
In summary, limited access to clean water in Somalia is driven by climate variability, infrastructure gaps, displacement, and economic constraints. These challenges directly affect health outcomes, livelihoods, and community stability.
Addressing water insecurity requires sustained investment in community-based solutions that improve reliability, affordability, and safety.
What do you think is the most important factor in improving clean water access in Somalia: infrastructure investment, drought preparedness, or community management?