Only 68% of rural households in the Dominican Republic have safe access to drinking water
Safe access to drinking water remains one of the main challenges in rural communities in the Dominican Republic.
The ENHOGAR-MICS 2025 report reveals that only 68% of rural households have access to treated water, compared to 92% in urban areas, highlighting a marked regional disparity in basic infrastructure and exposing thousands of families to health risks.
The survey warns that the lack of reliable distribution systems increases the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly affecting children under the age of five.
More than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water
In the deep south and border areas, safe access drops to even below 60%, underscoring the urgent need for more targeted public policies.
The Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development acknowledged that rural water coverage is progressing slowly, despite ongoing community aqueduct projects. International organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF have recommended accelerating investment in water infrastructure and strengthening quality monitoring to ensure that the water reaching homes meets safety standards.
The study also highlights that women are primarily responsible for carrying water in communities without regular service, which limits their time for education and paid work, perpetuating social and economic inequalities.
