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Iranian strike damages a Kuwait desalination plant, exposing water vulnerability in dry Mideast
By Annika Hammerschlag, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
Iranian strikes on Friday hit a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, damaging one of the key sources of drinking water in the small desert nation. It's the latest attack on essential infrastructure across the Middle East that have exposed extreme vulnerabilities in one of the world’s dri...
Key takeaway In Kuwait, about 90% of drinking water comes from desalination, along with roughly 86% in Oman and about 70% in Saudi Arabia.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own experience with drought and water management makes the vulnerability of desalination plants in the Middle East a concerning issue. As a city that has had to implement strict water conservation measures in the past, residents can appreciate the importance of reliable access to drinking water. The fact that hundreds of desalination plants along the Persian Gulf coast are within range of Iranian missile or drone strikes is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of disrupting this critical infrastructure. With San Antonio's own water supply dependent on a combination of sources, including the Edwards Aquifer, the city's water management strategies may serve as a model for other regions seeking to diversify their water supplies and reduce reliance on a single source. As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, San Antonio's water conservation efforts may take on new significance in the context of global water security.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Iranian strikes on Friday hit a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, damaging one of the key sources of drinking water in the small desert nation. It's the latest attack on essential infrastructure across the Middle East that have exposed extreme vulnerabilities in one of the world’s dri...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Annika Hammerschlag, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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