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Water scarcity is a growing crisis in Nairobi County, as highlighted by recent warnings from water scientists. The alarming prospect that the city will deplete its groundwater resources amid a significant increase in the number of boreholes is scary.

This warning should serve as a call to action for Nairobi to address its water crisis urgently. As surface water becomes increasingly polluted due to human activities, the over-reliance on groundwater is unsustainable, demanding urgent and decisive action to prevent the city’s wells from running dry.

A major contributing factor to this impending crisis is the uncontrolled drilling of boreholes. There are about 6,000 boreholes in Nairobi, but only 2,000 are officially recorded by the Water Resource Management Authority.

This indicates that 4,000 boreholes have been dug illegally, a likely conservative figure. The illegal drilling of boreholes not only depletes aquifers but also undermines efforts to manage and regulate water resources effectively. The lack of reliable data exacerbates the problem, making it challenging to accurately assess the rate of groundwater depletion and implement appropriate interventions.

The rapid decline in groundwater levels is evident in the increasing depths required to access water. In the late 1950s, groundwater was accessed at a depth of just 80 metres. The projection that wells may soon reach 400 metres is a dire warning. When aquifers are depleted faster than they are replenished, the rocks that store water collapse, reducing the storage capacity and availability of groundwater. This is particularly concerning given Nairobi’s multi-level aquifer system, where deeper drilling indicates the city may be tapping into its last reserves.

To address this crisis, there must be stricter regulation and monitoring of borehole drilling. The issuing of permits should be based on a comprehensive assessment of user needs and environmental impact.

WARMA must enhance its oversight capabilities to ensure that all boreholes are registered and monitored to prevent excessive groundwater extraction and ensure equitable distribution of resources.

Rehabilitating and protecting surface water sources is also important, as this will reduce the demand for groundwater and provide alternative water sources for the city.

Strict regulations on agricultural chemicals and waste disposal must also be enforced to prevent contaminants from seeping into water sources.