A Cuban woman known as Jessica vlog has brought attention to a dire situation in her neighborhood, where residents have gone without running water for nine months. This predicament has become unbearable, especially for those unable to carry water buckets and jugs.
Jessica shared her experience on Facebook, where her video quickly gained traction, accumulating nearly 230 comments. "It's been nine months without water, just as you heard. Nine months without a drop entering my neighborhood," she stated.
While Jessica acknowledges that her own situation is less severe due to having a personal well, she expressed empathy for her elderly and ill neighbors who lack the strength to haul water.
"At my home, there's a well, and anyone who knows me understands that I frequently help my neighbors by providing water. For those closest to me, I extend a hose and turn on the pump, but only when there's electricity," she elaborated.
Her final words encapsulate the sentiment shared by millions of Cubans: "Here, we don't live; we merely survive."
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
In May 2026, the Cuban government admitted that nearly three million citizens were grappling with water shortages, with approximately 376,000 individuals affected in Havana alone.
One of the most pressing issues is the dependence on energy. In March 2026, the president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH) revealed that 87% of the water supply system relies on the National Electric System, which is subject to power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily.
Cubans have resorted to constructing makeshift wells, collecting rainwater in tanks, and purchasing water on a black market where prices have skyrocketed, becoming unaffordable for many workers.
Reports of water shortages on social media have surged throughout 2026. In July, a Cuban woman reported a 12-day water outage in Marianao. In San Miguel del Padrón, there were 70 days without service, and a recent incident involved a mother being threatened with arrest for complaining about the lack of water in Lawton.
Jessica's case, involving nine months without piped water, is among the most extreme publicly documented instances, illustrating a crisis that has worsened over the years without any intervention from the regime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Water Crisis
What is causing the water crisis in Cuba?
The water crisis in Cuba is primarily due to the country's reliance on an unstable electrical grid to power the water supply system, which is frequently affected by extensive power outages.
How are Cubans coping with the water shortage?
Cubans are coping by building makeshift wells, storing rainwater, and purchasing water from a costly black market, though these solutions are not sustainable long-term.
How long have residents in Jessica's neighborhood been without water?
Residents in Jessica's neighborhood have been without running water for nine months, making it one of the most severe cases reported publicly.