In Santiago de las Vegas, a neighborhood in the Boyeros municipality south of Havana, a distressing scene unfolds as elderly citizens and children take to the streets with buckets, barrels, and containers. Entire families are forced to leave their homes to collect water from a truck due to a complete absence of water supply.
One of the most poignant images of this crisis is that of elderly individuals living alone, struggling to carry buckets of water back to their homes. Without running water for days, residents are unable to bathe, clean, or flush toilets.
The hardships faced by Cuban seniors extend beyond frequent power outages, unsanitary living conditions, and food shortages. There are even days when drinking water becomes scarce.
A video documenting this dire situation was shared on Facebook by José Díaz Silva. He explained that the complaint came from a coalition of Cuban opposition groups: Movimiento Democracia (MD), Movement Opponents for a New Republic (MONR), ARC, and Cuba Decide.
The Escalating Water Shortage
“Once again, the harsh reality faced by our people is evident. In Santiago de las Vegas, entire families are compelled to collect water from a truck because their homes lack an adequate supply,” the publication denounced.
The water shortage has intensified since January 2026, when water sources nearly dried up, affecting over 40,000 people. As a short-term solution, Boyeros' municipal government deployed more than 50 water trucks and established a new supply line from Bejucal.
On July 15, Aguas de La Habana reported further disruptions in the area due to a breakdown at the Aguada del Cura facility, with ongoing Electromechanical repairs aiming to reduce the impact.
Widespread Impact and Infrastructure Challenges
The scene in Santiago de las Vegas mirrors a broader water crisis impacting over 500,000 residents of Havana, according to experts from Aguas de La Habana. The number of affected individuals has steadily increased: 200,000 in April, 376,055 in May, and over half a million by July. Nationwide, approximately 2.7 million Cubans face daily challenges accessing potable water.
A staggering 87% of Cuba's water system relies on the electrical grid, meaning each blackout also halts water pumping. This issue is compounded by severely deteriorated infrastructure, with 40% to 70% of water in Havana lost to leaks before reaching homes. The government acknowledged over 4,000 active leaks in the national network in 2023.
Economic Strain and Public Outcry
Protests over water shortages and power outages have surged in Boyeros this month. On July 5, Mantilla residents erupted after enduring up to seven days without water.
For those without access to the network, the informal market has become a lifeline. A water truck delivery can cost between 18,000 and 26,000 Cuban pesos, and up to 40,000 or 50,000 in the hardest-hit areas, while the minimum monthly wage is 3,210 pesos as of July 1, 2026.
“As citizens endure the lack of such a fundamental resource as water, the neglect and desperation of a people seeking only a dignified standard of living grow,” the opposition groups concluded in their statement.
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
What are the main causes of the water shortage in Cuba?
The water shortage is primarily due to depleted water sources, deteriorating infrastructure, and dependency on the electrical grid, which is unreliable due to frequent blackouts.
How is the Cuban government addressing the water crisis?
The government has mobilized water trucks and established new supply lines as short-term measures, but long-term solutions are needed to address infrastructure issues and water source depletion.
How are residents coping with the water shortage?
Residents are relying on water trucks and the informal market, where water can be purchased at high prices. Many are also participating in public protests to demand better access to water.