Tunisia water watchdog records 302 access alerts in May

The Tunisian Water Observatory recorded 302 citizen alerts linked to water access problems in May, according to figures published through its Thirst Map and reported by TAP.

The alerts included 266 unannounced drinking water cuts, 15 network leaks and 12 protests over access to water.

Ben Arous recorded the highest number of alerts, with 26, followed by Gafsa with 25, Kasserine with 23 and Tunis with 22.

The figures show that water supply problems are affecting both Greater Tunis and parts of the interior as Tunisia enters the summer period, when demand rises and disruptions become more difficult for households to manage.

The Observatory said the unannounced cuts were interruptions that had not been flagged in advance by SONEDE, the national water utility.

The Tunisian Water Observatory is an independent citizen monitoring project run by the association Nomad 08 since 2016. Its figures are based on public alerts submitted by citizens, rather than official national statistics.

The distinction matters. The Thirst Map does not measure the full scale of Tunisia’s water problems, but it gives a public snapshot of where citizens are reporting cuts, leaks, poor water quality and protests over access.

May’s figure points to continued pressure on local water services. In March, the Observatory recorded 204 alerts, including 167 cuts and disruptions in drinking water distribution.

The problem comes after years of drought, high demand, ageing infrastructure and pressure on the national distribution network.

Rainfall earlier this year helped improve dam reserves compared with some of the lows recorded during recent drought years. But the Observatory’s alerts show that better reserves do not automatically mean reliable drinking water at household level.

For citizens, the main issue is predictability. Announced maintenance can be planned around. Unannounced cuts leave families, businesses and schools with little time to prepare.

The summer months will be the next test for the water system. Higher temperatures increase consumption, while coastal areas and tourist zones face additional seasonal demand.

The Observatory’s May figures add to pressure for clearer communication from SONEDE, faster repairs and stronger local monitoring of drinking water supply problems.

No national emergency has been announced. But the latest alerts show that Tunisia’s water stress remains a household issue as much as a question of dam levels and rainfall.