The water and wastewater management crisis is compounded by limited access to Area C, where most water resources and infrastructure corridors lie, restricting Palestinian development and delaying essential projects. Intermittent supply patterns, ranging from twice weekly to once monthly in some communities, have forced households to rely on costly coping mechanisms such as pumping, storage tanks, and water trucking. These practices increase economic burdens and raise risks of contamination, particularly in vulnerable rural areas.
At the same time, wastewater mismanagement poses growing environmental and public health threats. With the majority of wastewater discharged untreated into the environment, groundwater pollution and agricultural risks are escalating. Opportunities for treated wastewater reuse, an essential resource for agriculture, remain largely untapped. Structural reforms, stronger coordination between Palestinian institutions, and long-term investments from the donor community will be crucial to stabilizing the sector and ensuring sustainable, equitable service delivery.
For more detailed analysis, data tables, and recommendations, readers are encouraged to consult the full report available in PDF format.