An alarming water shortage has affected Damascus after the Ein al-Fijeh spring, located in the Barada Valley near the Syrian capital, recorded its lowest water levels in decades. The spring, which originates from Roman ruins and typically floods tunnels during the winter season, has almost dried up due to the region’s driest winter since 1956. The spring supplies 70% of Damascus’s water needs, serving about 1.1 million homes and approximately 5 million residents. Normally, rainfall and melted snow from mountains near the Lebanese border refill the spring each year. However, below-average precipitation has caused a significant decrease in supply. Officials from the Damascus City Water Supply Authority confirmed that the spring is operating at its weakest capacity. The Barada River, which flows through the capital and is fed by the spring, is also mostly dry.

To manage the crisis, residents have started depending on private tanker trucks to access water. Some areas now receive water for only 90 minutes daily. Frequent power outages worsen the situation by preventing the use of electric pumps. The spring’s channels, originally built by the Romans, were upgraded in 1920 and 1980, but current conditions have placed extreme pressure on the infrastructure. Experts described the situation as unprecedented and urged residents to reduce water consumption. The spring area, once a popular destination for locals and tourists, has become deserted. Restoration efforts have begun, including rebuilding businesses and homes damaged during Syria’s prolonged conflict. Citizens expressed concern that conditions may deteriorate further during the summer, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management and governmental intervention.