The Tunisian Water Observatory indicated that Tunisia entered, during July 2026, a “critical phase of a water emergency,” coinciding with the peak of the summer season and the intensification of the heat wave, after the recording of 608 reports related to disruptions in water supply. This marks the highest monthly tally recorded since the start of the year.
In its report devoted to the “Map of Thirst,” the Observatory specified that 549 reports across all recorded cases concerned unannounced water cuts and disruptions in the distribution of drinking water. It estimates that these indicators reflect an aggravation of pressures on the water supply system during the peak summer period.
Crisis in the Sahel and the Cape Bon
The month of July was marked by a notable shift in the geographic distribution of reports, which became heavily concentrated in coastal and tourist areas, subjected to double demographic and consumption pressures.
The governorates of Sahel and Cape Bon thus took the forefront in this water crisis.
The governorate of Nabeul recorded the highest number of reports, with 65 cases, followed by Monastir with 62, Mahdia with 51 and Sousse with 49. Sfax, for its part, recorded 42 reports and Medenine 41.
Increase in protest movements
Protest movements related to the water crisis reached 34 actions during July, compared with 23 in June 2026.
According to the report, this rise constitutes a worrying indicator. The Observatory also recorded 13 cases of water leaks as well as 12 reports related to the quality of drinking water.
In conclusion of its report, the Tunisian Water Observatory called for the implementation of urgent interventions and sustainable solutions to guarantee the right of access to water and to improve the distribution of water resources.
