Environment of Afghanistan - Water Management

Water Management

Further information: Drought in Afghanistan, List of rivers of Afghanistan, and List of dams and reservoirs in Afghanistan

The primary threat to Afghanistan's water supply is the droughts, which created food shortages for millions in the recent past. The resulting agricultural crises between 1995 to 2001 have driven major migrations from rural to urban areas. In response to drought, deep wells have been drilled, further draining groundwater resources, which rely on rain for replenishment.

By 2003, about 99% of the Sistan wetlands were dry, another result of continued drought and lack of water management. The wetlands, an important habitat for breeding and migrant waterfowl including the dalmatian pelican and the marbled teal, have provided water for agricultural irrigation for at least 5,000 years. They are fed by the Helmand River, which ran at 98% below average in drought years 2001-2003. As in other areas of the country, the loss of natural vegetation resulted in soil erosion; here, sandstorms submerged as many as 100 villages by 2003.

Some of the major water reservoirs and dams include the following:

• Dahla Dam
• Naghlu Dam
• Darunta Dam
• Kajaki Dam
• Lake Qargha