Clean Water, Real Relief

In the Khabur Valley of Northeast Syria, access to clean water has become one of the main factors determining whether families can remain in their homes. Years of conflict, prolonged drought, and the deliberate disruption of water infrastructure have turned a basic necessity into a daily struggle. For communities already weakened by war and displacement, the water crisis has pushed many to the edge. 

When a major regional water source was taken offline following the 2019 occupation of nearby territory, families across the valley were left without a reliable supply of potable water. Wells ran dry or became contaminated, and private water vendors charged prices that many could not afford. For households with limited income, especially the elderly and chronically ill, the choice was often between drinking water and essential medicine. 

Relief for the Most Vulnerable 

Salma, an eldery widow living alone in the Khabur Valley, faced that choice every day. With no income beyond her late husband’s modest pension and occasional assistance, securing clean water became a constant source of anxiety. Money spent on water meant less for food and medication, and unsafe alternatives carried serious health risks. 

That burden eased with the launch of an emergency water distribution project serving vulnerable communities across the valley. Salma began receiving regular deliveries of clean, safe drinking water directly to her neighborhood. The uncertainty and financial strain that once defined her routine were replaced with stability. 

With reliable access to water, Salma can now prioritize her health and basic needs. Like many beneficiaries, she describes the support not only as practical help, but as a restoration of dignity in the midst of prolonged hardship. 

Impact at Scale 

From September 2024 through June 2025, the project delivered more than 21.2 million liters of clean drinking water to families facing severe shortages across the Khabur Valley. In total, 1,120 households were served, reaching 4,845 people. 

Water was distributed on a consistent biweekly schedule, providing 1,000 liters per household every two weeks, aligned with international humanitarian standards. For families who had relied on unsafe or overpriced sources, this access led to measurable improvements in daily life. 

• Reported cases of waterborne illness declined, particularly among children
• Household expenses were reduced by eliminating the need to purchase private water
• Elderly and medically vulnerable residents experienced improved stability and health outcomes 

The project primarily served neighbors from Christian, Yezidi, and Arab-Kurdish Muslim families, helping prevent new tensions in an already fragile environment. 

Accountability and Sustainability 

To ensure fair and transparent distribution, all beneficiary households were registered through a QR-code tracking system. This allowed for duplication-free deliveries and real-time monitoring of distribution volumes. 

Beyond emergency delivery, the project invested in long-term resilience. Solar-powered pump systems were installed at two water sources, reducing reliance on diesel fuel and lowering operational costs. Water quality was tested regularly in coordination with local health authorities to ensure safety throughout the project period.  

Access to clean water changed daily life for thousands of people across the Khabur Valley. Illness declined, household costs eased, and families gained the stability needed to stay. Through transparent delivery and long-term investment in water access, this project protected lives and helped preserve communities that continue to endure against the odds.