Strengthening water supply in Damascus to support families and communities

Damascus - With support from UNICEF and generous funding from the Government of the Republic of Korea, 50 high‑quality pumps are being installed in groundwater wells and pumping stations across Damascus to improve water supply and distribution.

Installation works, carried out in coordination with the Syrian Water Establishment, began in December 2025 in key locations including Tishreen Park, Al‑Mazra’a, the Airport Highway and Jobar. The project is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026, reaching 450,000 people with improved access to safe water.

Low rainfall in recent years has reduced water flow from Damascus’ main sources placing pressure on the city’s water system and increasing reliance on groundwater wells across the city and surrounding rural areas. Strengthening these wells is essential to maintain reliable access to safe water, especially during periods of scarcity to ensure families and children can access the water they need.

This intervention contributes to strengthening water supply systems and improving the reliability and sustainability of safe water services for communities, particularly during low‑rainfall periods and times of increased demand.

Engineer Abdulatif Idris, Supervisor of Project Implementation at the Water Establishment, highlights the importance of the project: 

“This is a major project with significant benefits, particularly during periods of low rainfall, which negatively affect the main water sources supplying Damascus. Through this project, groundwater resources will be strengthened to help ensure a more reliable water supply for the city.”

UNICEF continues to work with partners to ensure that children and families have access to safe water and are protected from water‑related diseases. By supporting essential infrastructure and strengthening community resilience, UNICEF remains committed to helping ensure that every child can grow and thrive with the safe water they need.