Middle East Conflict Extends to Critical Water Infrastructure

The escalating armed conflict in the Middle East is expanding beyond traditional military targets to include strikes on civilian infrastructure, specifically facilities providing drinking water to millions in arid regions. This development raises serious concerns about the direct threat to civilian survival and the potential for a humanitarian crisis.

Recent Attacks and Condemnation

On March 8, 2026, Iran attacked a seawater desalination facility in Bahrain, reportedly in retaliation for a U.S. Strike on a similar facility on Keshium Island. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the United States initiated this pattern of attacks. Bahrain condemned the attack as “indiscriminate” targeting of civilian facilities, confirming damage but stating that water supplies remained unaffected.

The Importance of Desalination in the Region

Seawater desalination facilities are crucial for providing potable water in the Middle East, where freshwater resources are scarce. These plants remove salt and impurities from seawater, converting it into drinkable water. The vulnerability of these facilities has prompted warnings about the potential for widespread disruption.

Abdullah Babud, a professor at Waseda University in Japan and originally from Oman, emphasized the severity of targeting desalination plants, stating it represents a “serious worsening of the situation” and a “direct threat to civilian survival.”

Several countries in the Gulf region are heavily reliant on desalination technology:

• Saudi Arabia: More than 90% of drinking water is supplied by desalination, though the country has strengthened its facilities since a 2008 report indicated a potential evacuation scenario if a major plant were destroyed.
• Kuwait: Approximately 96% of drinking water comes from desalination.
• Oman: Roughly 86% of the water supply relies on desalination.

Combined Heat and Power Vulnerability

Many desalination plants in the Gulf operate as combined heat and power plants. This means attacks on power infrastructure could also disrupt freshwater production. The complex systems involved – including water intake and treatment facilities – are vulnerable to attack.

Experts have warned that water, not oil, is the most endangered resource in the region, with coastal desalination facilities within range of Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Bahrain’s Water Authority

The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) of Bahrain is the principal provider of electricity and water utilities in the Kingdom, dedicated to supporting daily life and conserving resources for future generations. EWA Bahrain is a government entity responsible for the provision and regulation of electricity and water services, including generation, transmission, distribution, customer service and maintenance. Zawya reports that EWA was established in 1965.

The Government of Bahrain actively promotes initiatives to conserve energy, optimize consumption, and foster a green policy culture, with the EWA playing a central role in delivering reliable and efficient services. Bahrain’s National Portal highlights this commitment to sustainable growth.

Bahrain is also encouraging the apply of renewable energy to improve energy efficiency, alongside water efficiency measures. Bahrain’s official website details these efforts, including converting waste into energy to reduce consumption.